In a significant announcement, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) alongside the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office revealed that the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program will allocate $10 million in grants to 245 volunteer fire departments across the state in 2025. This initiative, which has garnered much attention, was established through legislation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and is overseen by Governor Bill Lee.
The primary aim of this program is to provide financial assistance to volunteer fire companies, enabling them to acquire essential firefighting equipment or to meet local matching requirements for federal equipment grants. Since its launch in 2020, the program has distributed a total of $26.5 million in grants to volunteer fire stations throughout Tennessee’s three Grand Divisions.
Among the recipients of these grants are several local departments in Lawrence County, which include the Henryville Volunteer Fire Department, Center Point Fire and Rescue, West End Volunteer Fire Department, Summertown Community Fire Department, Leoma Fire and Rescue, Lawrence County Fire Rescue, Iron City Volunteer Fire Department, Gandy Volunteer Fire Department, Southeast Lawrence County Volunteer Fire Department, Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, and the City of Loretto Fire Department. This funding will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of these vital community services, ensuring they are better equipped to respond to emergencies.