The Whitesboro Fire Department (WFD) is excited to announce that it is one of 150 volunteer fire departments across the nation to receive a $10,000 grant through the State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.
In collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), State Farm has awarded $1.5 million in grants to help local fire departments obtain needed equipment to increase their responders’ safety, effectiveness and ability to serve their community.
With this grant, WFD will be able to purchase two Stryker Stair Chairs. These chairs are portable devices that collapse for storage on apparatus, but then fold out on scene and allow responders to move patients through tight areas or up and down stairwells and rough surfaces smoothly.
They have a variety of hand holds and straps that allow responders to lift and carry in areas the stretcher cannot pass.
Since WFD began offering EMS services, there have been several items the department realized would be needed to enhance the level of service provided to the community, and these stair chairs were one of those. They were items the department felt were important to carry, but due to budget constraints and items of higher priority, the department sought a grant to fund the equipment.
“Our firefighters are dedicated to answering the call, no matter the hour or circumstance,” Whitesboro’s Director of Public Safety Jeff Patterson said. “Ensuring they have the right equipment and tools is essential to keeping them safe and effective on the job. This generous support from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council will help us better protect both our responders and our community.”
This is the second year for the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. Volunteer fire departments are essential to public safety, especially in rural and small-town communities. However, many operate with limited budgets and struggle to secure the funding for critical equipment.
These grants are a lifeline for local departments to obtain equipment that will increase safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
Learn more about the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program at www.nvfc.org/statefarm
About State Farm
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams.
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,000 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts.
Commercial auto services, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of
the State Farm family of companies.
State Farm is ranked No. 39 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com
About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services.
The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.