The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) have announced a significant financial boost for the state’s rescue squads with grants totaling $3 million allocated for 2024. This funding, approved by Governor Bill Lee and the General Assembly in 2022, is part of the Rescue Squad Grant Program designed to enhance the operational capabilities of rescue squads across Tennessee.
The grants will enable the purchase of essential lifesaving equipment, aiding in incident response and ensuring the safety of squad members. This follows a successful round of funding in 2023, where $2 million in grants were disbursed to qualifying applicants.
Latest TN News
Tennessee State Fire Marshal and TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence expressed his pride in supporting the rescue squads, emphasizing the initiative’s alignment with Governor Lee’s vision to strengthen rural communities within the state. “It’s an honor to provide resources to Tennessee’s rescue squads and help fulfill Governor Lee’s vision of strengthening Tennessee’s rural communities,” Lawrence stated.
The funding will benefit 104 rescue squads, enhancing their capabilities in providing specialized services such as extrication, structural collapse response, and swift water rescue. Assistant Commissioner for Fire Prevention Gary Farley highlighted the importance of the grants in ensuring the squads are well-equipped to safely carry out their lifesaving missions.
The selection process for the grant recipients involved a rigorous application and review period from January 8 to February 8, 2024. The SFMO received 126 applications, which were evaluated by an internal scoring system and a seven-member committee. This committee included six members from the Tennessee Rescue Squad Association and the TDCI’s Assistant Commissioner of Fire Prevention, ensuring a fair and comprehensive review of all applications.
The announcement has been met with gratitude and enthusiasm from the rescue squads, who play a crucial role in protecting the lives and property of Tennessee’s citizens. This financial support is a testament to the state’s commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency response capabilities throughout its communities.
Source: Read Original Release