Auburndale Joint Fire and Rescue Department Selected for $10,000 Grant

Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 -- 8:00 AM

(HTC Staff, Hub City Times) The Auburndale Joint Fire and Rescue Department is one of eight Wisconsin departments that will receive $10,000 grants through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

According to staff at the Hub City Times, this is the second year that State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have teamed up to support local volunteer fire departments with funding to secure needed equipment. The announcement was made on Aug. 18, Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day.

“Volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the U.S. fire service, and communities across the country rely on volunteers to respond to emergencies of all kinds, from structure and wildland fires, to vehicle crashes and medical emergencies, to natural disasters and hazmat incidents,” a program release stated.

“Many of these small-town and rural fire departments operate with limited budgets, making it difficult to meet the rising costs of the equipment and gear they need to best serve their community."

"These grants are a lifeline for local departments to obtain equipment that will increase safety, efficiency and effectiveness. Grants will be used to purchase a wide variety of department necessities, including personal protective equipment, EMS and rescue tools, communication devices and much more.”

Other Wisconsin recipients include: Highland Volunteer Fire Department (Lake Nebagamon), Mayville Fire Department, Minocqua Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Monroe Rural Fire District, Nichols Rural Fire Department, Village of Waterford Fire Department and Wiota Fire Department (South Wayne).

“The NVFC is proud to team up with State Farm to continue the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program and provide critical assistance to volunteer fire departments,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch.

“Firefighting and rescue equipment is expensive, and many departments struggle to find the funding they need. These grants from State Farm enable small departments to secure equipment they need to be better prepared to serve their communities and protect their responders.”

“We are proud to support volunteer firefighters – the ultimate good neighbors who risk their lives daily,” said Rasheed Merritt, State Farm corporate responsibility assistant vice president.

“At State Farm, we’re committed to helping people manage everyday risks and building safer, stronger communities.” For more information on the program, visit www.nvfc.org/statefarm.

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