<![CDATA[Good Neighbor Stories]]> https://newsroom.statefarm.com/ en-us Wed, 09 Sep 2026 07:49:42 +0200 Mon, 17 Aug 2026 20:15:04 +0200 <![CDATA[Good Neighbor Stories]]> https://content.presspage.com/clients/150_1441.jpg https://newsroom.statefarm.com/ 144 Volunteer Fire Departments Receive $1.5 Million in Grants Through the State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program https://newsroom.statefarm.com/state-farm-1-5-million-grants-volunteer-fire-departments/ https://newsroom.statefarm.com/state-farm-1-5-million-grants-volunteer-fire-departments/787063The program, in partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council, provided $10,000 grants to 150 fire departmentsAbout State Farm:

For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance combined in the United States. Its more than 19,200 agent offices and over 62,000 employees serve over 96 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 32 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.

About the National Volunteer Fire Council:

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.

]]>One hundred and fifty volunteer fire departments in 43 states have been awarded a $10,000 grant to purchase needed equipment to enhance responder safety and better protect their communities.

]]>One hundred and fifty volunteer fire departments in 43 states have been awarded a $10,000 grant to purchase needed equipment to enhance responder safety and better protect their communities. The grants are provided through the State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, in collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).

Eighty-two percent of U.S. fire departments are comprised entirely or mostly of volunteer firefighters. Many of these departments operate on limited budgets that leave them struggling to fund equipment that enables them to more effectively and safely do their jobs. Recognizing this need, State Farm and the NVFC teamed up to provide $1.5 million to local fire departments in 2026. Since the program began in 2024, a total of $4 million has been distributed to support volunteer fire departments with their equipment needs.

“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,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “Yet many local departments lack the funding to purchase the resources and gear they need, forcing them to rely on outdated or insufficient equipment. We thank State Farm for taking action to address this need by helping local departments secure critical equipment so they can do their jobs more safely and effectively.”

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

The announcement of the 2026 recipients was made on August 18, a date many celebrate as Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day. Grants will be used to purchase a wide variety of department necessities, including personal protective equipment, EMS and rescue tools, communication devices and much more.

State Farm and the NVFC will also join select fire department recipients at community engagement events this fall, which may include open houses, fire prevention events, parades or other local gatherings.

In addition to the 150 grants, State Farm provided complimentary NVFC memberships to the first 2,000 eligible applicants to provide more responders with access to an array of benefits, including free training, support services and more. The NVFC is the leading national nonprofit association serving the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services.

Learn more about the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, including a list of departments receiving the grants, on the NVFC website at www.nvfc.org/statefarm.

]]> Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1441/57fb4861-d037-45b1-9f24-656024d5c240/500_kouts_agent_check_presentation.jpg?10000 https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1441/57fb4861-d037-45b1-9f24-656024d5c240/kouts_agent_check_presentation.jpg?10000 Beyond the Call: Volunteer Firefighters Serve Beyond the Emergency https://newsroom.statefarm.com/volunteer-firefighters-protect-neighbors/ https://newsroom.statefarm.com/volunteer-firefighters-protect-neighbors/251574A blink. A breath. A heartbeat. Each day thousands of Americans encounter life-threatening situations. At these moments, their survival is aided by those who have pledged to help others – many of them without pay. Volunteer firemen make up 70% of the 1.1 million U.S. firefighters. In Rosewood Heights, Illinois, the 33-person, volunteer department consists of teachers, factory workers and medical professionals.

Dedication

The department responds to calls nearly every day. Birthdays, anniversaries and vacations have all been missed, but those celebrating understand. “It takes dedication,” Rosewood Heights Fire Chief Tim Bunt says of his team. “Regardless if it has been a hard day in the factory, or if they are at a family event, they’ll answer the call.”

Chief Bunt has been on the force for three decades. When a volunteer joins, he makes it a family affair. Chief Bunt discusses their commitment with the husbands, wives and children of those signing up. They complete a minimum of 50 hours of initial training. Annual training requirements help firefighters serve a lifetime. The volunteers range from age 19 to the chief’s own 89-year-old father. They all understand the sacrifice.

Assistance after the Emergency

The firefighters and their chief are well known in this small southern Illinois town. It’s not necessarily because of the volume of calls, but rather for their commitment to the community.

It doesn't end with the call response. The firefighters revisit the families who have called on them for help. They've moved furniture, supplied food, or simply stopped in to say hello.

“It’s something we’ve always done,” Chief Bunt says of the extra effort. "It makes us feel better.”

Life Changing Calls Sometimes Come Full Circle

Whether a firefighter has served a day or decade, each can likely share a story that has changed someone’s life – maybe even their own. One of the most frightening calls of Chief Bunt’s career came across the radio almost two decades ago. It was an infant choking. Bunt says the adrenaline always kicks in with emergency call. However, when a child is involved, even more so. Bunt saved that child’s life. He vividly recalled those memories when a new recruit recently came to sign up as a volunteer. He was that baby Bunt had saved 18 years earlier.

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