Just in time for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, Sarepta Fire District 5 is excited to announce that it is one of 100 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 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, Sarepta Fire District 5 will be able to purchase three new portable water holding tanks for rural firefighting operations. Our present portable tanks are 30 plus years old and have come to the end of their life expectancy. These tanks are used in areas without adequate fire hydrants for larger fires requiring much water. Most of Sarepta Fire District 5 does not have adequate fire hydrants.
Sarepta Fire District 5 is a 16 member, all volunteer fire department covering about 33 square miles in and around the town of Sarepta. The department was formed in 1985 and currently has a class 4 ISO insurance rating. Sarepta Fire District 5 provides fire protection, Rescue, and 1st responder EMS services for the district. Sarepta Fire District also provides mutual aid services to all area fire districts.
“Our firefighters work and train hard to protect our community – helping their neighbors on their worst day. It is critical that we are able to provide these dedicated volunteers with the tools and resources they need to do their job safely and effectively,” said Fire Chief, Jeff Franklin. “Thanks
to this donation from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, we will be better equipped and prepared so we can respond at our best.”
This is the inaugural year of the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. Volunteer fire departments play a critical role in protecting communities across the country, especially small towns and rural areas. However, they often operate on tight budgets and struggle to find the funding for needed equipment. In collaboration with the NVFC, State Farm aimed to award 50 grants to local fire departments. However, the overwhelming response prompted State Farm to double its commitment to 100 grants, benefiting even more local departments and communities. State Farm also provided all applicants with a membership to the NVFC – the leading association representing the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services – so they have access to additional tools, resources, and training to help them thrive.
Learn more about the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program at www.nvfc.org/statefarm.