How to Equip a Volunteer Fire Station

Volunteer Fire Departments are funded and supported in several different ways. A volunteer station is sometimes funded by the taxpayers in the city, town or village it serves. Funds can also be attained from federal grants, private donations or local businesses. This article will list various options and ideas for equipping a volunteer fire station.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Find out how much local government money is allocated for fire station equipment, both from taxes and private funds. If there are funds available, work with the city officials and fire chief to create a budget and allocate the funds.
2. Apply for federal grants. Seek federal assistance through the Department of Homeland Security. Funds are also available through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The Rural Housing Service of the Department of Agriculture provides grants and loans to help communities improve the quality of their public safety response. These funds are typically used for fire stations and emergency rescue vehicles. The Office of Grants and Training awards funding to each state for training and equipment. Community Development Block Grants for emergency response services are available to eligible communities who qualify based on income.
3. Call your State Forester. A community with a population of less than 10,000 qualifies as rural, which may make it eligible to receive assistance. Government agencies often have property, materials and equipment that are no longer needed. The Federal Excess Property Program gives the extra items to rural communities.
4. Hold fundraisers in the community. Many communities hold fundraisers to assist their public safety officers with expenses. Ask local businesses to participate by donating time, money or goods to the event.

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