Rep. Rick Eldridge announces $525K in grant awards for local fire departments, rescue squads
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Rick Eldridge, R-Morristown, announced $525,134 in grant funding was awarded to 12 volunteer fire departments and rescue squads in Hamblen and Grainger counties.
The 114th General Assembly appropriated $50 million over the last two years to support volunteer firefighters across Tennessee.
“Volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members are the backbone of our communities and are often the first on scene during an emergency,” Eldridge said. “These grants allow them to purchase the equipment and training they need to act quickly and save lives. Thank you to all involved for their support.”
Volunteer fire departments receiving funding include:
- East Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department: $60,475
- West Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department: $50,905
- Kansas-Talbott Volunteer Fire Department: $44,871
- North Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department: $50,705
- South Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department: $50,815
- Bean Station Volunteer Fire Department: $54,929.60
- Thorn Hill Volunteer Fire Department: $50,174
- Treadway Volunteer Fire Department: $27,075
- Washburn Volunteer Fire Department: $8,985
Rescue squads receiving funding include:
- Morristown Rescue Squad: $60,580
- Bean Station Volunteer Rescue Squad: $32,059
- Grainger County Rescue Squad and Crewettes: $32,561
Both the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training (VFEAT) and Rescue Squad grant programs are administered by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO).
A recent survey found that 71% of Tennessee’s fire departments are staffed entirely by volunteers, with an estimated 12,460 of the state’s 21,075 active firefighters serving as volunteers, according to the TDCI. The department also reported more than 90 rescue squads serve communities across the state.
For more information on the grant process and how to apply during the next application period, visit the TDCI website at https://www.tn.gov/commerce/fire/grant-opportunities.html.
Rick Eldridge represents District 10 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes Grainger and part of Hamblen counties.
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