Eureka Springs Fire Department receives $10,000 grant

Just in time for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, the Eureka Springs Fire Department has announced that it is one of 100 volunteer fire departments across the nation to receive a $10,000 grant through the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

In collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), State Farm has awarded $1 million in grants to help local fire departments obtain needed equipment to increase their responders’ safety, effectiveness and ability to serve their community.

With this grant, the Eureka Springs Fire Department will be able to purchase one MultiRAE Lite Four Gas Meter and two Rex-ONE All Terrain carts.

The MultiRAE Lite Four Gas Meter will enhance the fire department’s ability to identify and mitigate hazardous environments involving common harmful byproducts of combustion. This increases safety for both first responders and the public by measuring levels of oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and other volatile organic compounds.

Each one of the RexONE All Terrain carts will be placed on the first-out ambulances as a tool to help extricate patients from wilderness areas when they are unable to do so themselves. With the ever-growing network of mountain biking trails and recreational areas, these carts will reduce the risk of injury to first responders and increase the safety and comfort for patients when removing them from those areas.

The Eureka Springs Fire Department responds to all hazards within the City of Eureka Springs and the surrounding rural area. The department is also contracted through the Western Carroll County Ambulance District (WCCAD) to provide two staffed Advance Life Support (ALS) ambulances for all EMS calls located in the Western Carroll County District.

The Eureka Springs Fire Department is currently on pace to end the year responding to 2,000 fire and EMS calls.

ESFD staff work a 48/96 schedule, with four on-duty personnel available at any given time. The fire chief and fire marshal compose the administrative staff and are also available for emergencies. The Eureka Springs Fire Department also has 20 dedicated volunteers ready to respond at all hours.

“Our firefighters work hard to protect our community – helping their neighbors on their worst day. It is critical that we are able to provide our personnel with the tools and resources they need to do their job safely and effectively,” Eureka Springs fire chief Gary Inman said. “Thanks to this donation from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, we will be better equipped and prepared so we can respond at our best.”

This is the inaugural year of the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

Volunteer fire departments play a critical role in protecting communities across the country, especially small towns and rural areas. However, they often operate on tight budgets and struggle to find the funding for needed equipment.

In collaboration with the NVFC, State Farm aimed to award 50 grants to local fire departments. However, the overwhelming response prompted State Farm to double its commitment to 100 grants, benefiting even more local departments and communities. State Farm also provided all applicants with a membership to the NVFC – the leading association representing the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services – so they have access to additional tools, resources, and training to help them thrive.

Learn more about the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program at www.nvfc.org/ statefarm.