MARSHALL – The volunteer fire departments in Wilmont and Walnut Grove have each received a $10,000 grant through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, a joint effort of State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).
The program, announced today, August 18, in recognition of Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day, awarded $1.5 million to 150 volunteer fire departments nationwide. Four departments in Minnesota were selected, including Wilmont Fire & Rescue and the Walnut Grove Fire Department.
The grants help small-town fire departments purchase essential equipment such as protective gear, rescue tools, and communication devices. Many rural departments operate with limited budgets, making these funds critical to maintaining safety and efficiency.
“Firefighting and rescue equipment is expensive, and many departments struggle to find the funding they need,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “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.”
Since its launch in 2024, the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program has awarded $2.5 million to 250 local fire departments.
