Volunteer firefighter support boosted by national partnerships

State Farm funds $1.5 million in equipment grants for US volunteer fire departments

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has reported that 150 volunteer fire departments across the United States will each receive a $10,000 grant through the 2024 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

The initiative is funded by State Farm and administered by the NVFC.

It marks the second year of the programme.

The NVFC said the funding will help local departments purchase equipment to support the safety and effectiveness of volunteer firefighters.

NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said: “We are thrilled to work with State Farm to better equip our local volunteer fire departments.

“Volunteer firefighters are the lifeblood of our communities, yet many departments struggle to find the funding for the equipment and tools they need.

“Thanks to these grants from State Farm, we can help make sure our responders are better prepared for when the call comes in.”

Rasheed Merritt, corporate responsibility assistant vice president at State Farm, said: “At State Farm part of our mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life.

“We are committed to helping build safer, stronger, better educated communities.

“We are proud to support the safety of volunteer firefighters – the ultimate good neighbours who risk their lives each and every day.”

Application period opens in June for eligible departments

According to the NVFC, the grant application window will open at 12:00am Eastern Time on 4 June and close at 11:59pm Eastern Time on 6 June.

The programme is open to departments that meet specific criteria, including being at least 50 percent volunteer-based, serving populations of 25,000 or fewer, having an annual revenue under $250,000, and being legally established in the US under state law.

The NVFC said funds can be used to purchase various items such as personal protective equipment, communication tools, rescue gear, and other technology.

The organisation added that the first 2,000 departments to apply will also receive a complimentary NVFC membership from State Farm.

The NVFC stated that application guidance, eligibility requirements, and an approved equipment list are available at www.nvfc.org/statefarm.

Grants aim to relieve budget constraints for rural responders

The NVFC said the grants are intended to help departments address budget limitations that restrict their ability to purchase essential gear.

It noted that many rural fire departments across the country rely on volunteers and operate with minimal funding.

The NVFC explained that the $10,000 grants can make a measurable difference for departments that otherwise struggle to update their equipment.

It stated that departments interested in applying should begin preparing their information in advance of the three-day window.

The NVFC advised departments to consult its resources online to ensure a complete and timely submission.

Anheuser-Busch delivers 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water

Anheuser-Busch has announced that it has produced its 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water for disaster relief efforts in the United States.

The company said the milestone reflects decades of support for affected communities.

It stated that its breweries have regularly paused beer production since 1988 to can and distribute water during emergencies.

The American Red Cross said the collaboration has supported relief efforts across the country.

Cliff Holtz, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross, said: “For over a century, Anheuser-Busch has been a vital partner in providing disaster relief support with the American Red Cross.

“This collaboration has been instrumental in our joint efforts to support communities during times of need across the country.

“As Anheuser-Busch reaches the remarkable milestone of producing 100 million cans of clean drinking water, we are proud to celebrate our enduring partnership and its lifechanging impact on millions of lives.”

Emergency water donations to reach over 600 volunteer fire departments

Anheuser-Busch said its 100 millionth can will be distributed in May as part of its annual summer preparedness campaign.

The company stated that, in partnership with the NVFC and its wholesalers, it will provide 1.5 million cans of water to more than 630 volunteer fire departments across 45 states.

The NVFC said the donations allow departments to reserve their limited funding for other needs.

Sarah Lee, chief executive officer of the NVFC, said: “Since our partnership began in 2019, Anheuser-Busch’s emergency drinking water donations have been vital to our mission of serving American communities in times of need.

“More than 10 percent of the 100 million cans have gone directly to departments across the country, helping ensure responders stay safe and hydrated on the front lines.

“These contributions also provide critical cost savings, allowing departments to redirect limited budgets toward other essential needs.”

Brewery investment supports long-term emergency response capacity

Anheuser-Busch said it is investing more than $6 million in its Fort Collins facility to improve production of both beer and emergency drinking water.

The company noted that its breweries in Fort Collins, Colorado and Cartersville, Georgia are currently designated to produce water year-round.

Cesar Vargas, chief external affairs officer at Anheuser-Busch, said: “This kind of lasting impact is only possible because of the dedication of our people, including our breweries and our network of partners and wholesalers.

“Reaching 100 million cans produced is just one more way we demonstrate our constant, unwavering commitment to showing up for our neighbours when it matters most.

“Our continued investments in our Fort Collins brewery strengthen our ability to respond quickly in times of need.

“It’s something we will continue to do for years to come – because that’s who we are.”

Volunteer firefighter support boosted by national partnerships: Summary

The National Volunteer Fire Council said 150 fire departments will each receive $10,000 through the 2024 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

The initiative is funded by State Farm.

The application window runs from 4 to 6 June 2024.

Eligible departments must be majority-volunteer, serve populations of 25,000 or fewer, and meet other criteria.

State Farm is also providing 2,000 NVFC memberships for early applicants.

Grants can be used to purchase protective gear, tools, and other safety equipment.

Anheuser-Busch has announced its 100 millionth can of emergency drinking water for disaster response.

The water is produced during periodic pauses in beer manufacturing at designated US breweries.

The company is investing over $6 million in its Fort Collins facility to improve production capacity.

1.5 million cans will be delivered in May to 630 volunteer fire departments across 45 states.

The campaign is in partnership with the NVFC and American Red Cross.

The NVFC said donations reduce spending pressure on departments.

Over 10 percent of Anheuser-Busch’s 100 million cans have gone to fire departments.

The NVFC and Red Cross both noted the value of long-term corporate support.