Assistant House Majority Leader Mark Cochran, R-Englewood, State Rep. Lowell Russell, R-Vonore, Senator Tom Hatcher, R-Maryville, and Senator Adam Lowe, R-Calhoun, announced $558,488 in grant funding was awarded to 13 local fire departments and rescue squads.

These grants were awarded through the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training (VFEAT) and Rescue Squad (RS) grant programs, administered by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO).

“Firefighting equipment is essential, but it can be costly, which places a strain on many departments,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “This grant funding helps ease that burden and ensures our local fire departments have the tools they need to stay safe and protect our communities. Thank you to the SFMO and TDCI for supporting our first responders and congratulations to the departments receiving these grants.”

VFEAT funding is used to help departments purchase firefighting equipment and training.

The departments receiving VFEAT funding include:

• Ballplay Volunteer Fire Department: $47,650 
• Citico Volunteer Fire Department: $39,000
• Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department: $17,614
• Notchey Creek Volunteer Fire Department: $41,075 
• Town of Tellico Plains Volunteer Fire Department: $88,950
• Tri Community Volunteer Fire Department: $42,000
• City of Etowah Fire Department: $50,535 
• Englewood Rural Fire Department: $19,950
• McMinn County Emergency & Rescue Squad, Inc.: $30,470
• Niota Rural Volunteer Fire Department: $44,475 
• Riceville Volunteer Fire Department: $70,000

Two local rescue squads received funding through the RS grant program which also helps purchase lifesaving equipment. The squads receiving funding include:

• North McMinn Fire & Rescue: $41,635
• Monroe County Rescue Squad: $25,134

For more information on the grant process and how to apply during the next application period, visit the TDCI website here 

Mark Cochran represents House District 23 which includes McMinn and part of Monroe Counties.

Lowell Russell represents House District 21 which includes parts of Loudon and Monroe Counties.

Tom Hatcher represents Senate District 2 which includes Blount, Monroe, Polk and part of Bradley Counties.

Adam Lowe represents Senate District 1 which includes Meigs, McMinn, Rhea and part of Bradley Counties.