East Texas fire department receives $10K grant

UPSHUR COUNTY – Several volunteer fire departments across Texas, including the New Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, received a $10,000 grant from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), according to a report from our news partner KETK.

This was the second year in a row that the NVFC and State Farm partnered up to support local volunteer fire departments. The grants help departments secure the necessary equipment to keep first responders safe and protect their communities.

The grants are associated with the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, which provided a total of $1.5 million to 150 volunteer fire departments across the country. Since the program was launched in 2024, $2.5 million has been awarded to 250 local fire departments.

The NVFC and State Farm announced they will be providing the grants on Monday, which is Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. The day celebrates volunteer firefighters who make up 65 percent of the U.S. fire service.

“We are proud to support volunteer firefighters – the ultimate good neighbors who risk their lives daily,” State Farm Corporate Responsibility Assistant Vice President, Rasheed Merritt, said. “At State Farm, we’re committed to helping people manage everyday risks and building safer, stronger communities.”