Western Oklahoma – Sayre and Cloud Chief fire departments are among six Oklahoma volunteer fire departments receiving $10,000 grants through the 2026 State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

The program, offered by State Farm in collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), awarded $1.5 million to 150 volunteer fire departments nationwide this year. The funding is designed to help departments purchase equipment needed to improve firefighter safety and better protect their communities.

The Sayre Fire Department and Cloud Chief Fire Department, located near Cordell, were joined by four other Oklahoma recipients: Gooseneck Bend Fire Protection District in Muskogee, Okeene Fire Department, Rock Township in Perry and Strother Fire Department in Seminole.

According to the NVFC, 82 percent of U.S. fire departments are comprised entirely or mostly of volunteer firefighters. Many operate with limited budgets, making it difficult to purchase or replace essential equipment.

“Volunteer firefighters are there for their communities no matter what the emergency, from structure and wildland fires to vehicle crashes and medical emergencies to natural disasters and hazardous materials incidents,” NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch said.

Hirsch said limited funding can force volunteer departments to rely on outdated or insufficient equipment and thanked State Farm for helping departments obtain critical resources.

“At State Farm, we are committed to helping people manage everyday risks and building safer, stronger communities,” said Rasheed Merritt, State Farm HR&D Executive for Corporate Responsibility. “We are proud to support volunteer firefighters with equipment needed to enhance safety.”

Grant recipients were announced Aug. 18, a date recognized by many as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. Departments can use the funding to purchase necessities including personal protective equipment, EMS and rescue tools, communication devices and other firefighting resources.

The Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program began in 2024. Including this year's awards, State Farm has provided a total of $4 million through the program to help volunteer departments purchase equipment.

State Farm also provided complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants this year, giving additional volunteer responders access to training, support services and other resources.

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