CUMBERLAND – April 13, 2026

As Chairman of the Fire and EMS Coalition, Senator Mike McKay is alerting volunteer fire departments across Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties about a critical funding opportunity—$10,000 grants through the Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program.

State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council are distributing $1.5 million in grants to 150 volunteer fire departments nationwide in 2026. The grants can be used to purchase safety equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), communication devices, rescue tools, and technology upgrades.

“Our volunteer firefighters drop everything to protect their neighbors—the least we can do is make sure they know about every opportunity to get the equipment they need,” said Senator McKay. “I’m calling on every eligible fire company in Western Maryland to apply. These are the men and women who show up when it matters most.”

Eligibility Requirements:

• Over 50% volunteer
• Serve a population of 25,000 or less
• Annual revenue of $250,000 or less
• Legally organized under state law

The application window is extremely short—only three days. Applications open May 4 at noon ET and close May 7 at noon ET.

The first 2,000 applicants will also receive a free one-year NVFC membership, which includes additional resources and benefits for volunteer responders.

“Western Maryland runs on volunteers. Our fire departments are the backbone of public safety in rural communities,” McKay added. “I want to see our departments at the front of the line for this funding.”

Departments can find application guidance, eligible equipment lists, and FAQs at www.nvfc.org/statefarm. The application form will go live at that link on May 4 at noon ET.

Stay up to date on Senator McKay’s fight for Western Maryland—sign up for his District Newsletter at MikeMcKayMD.com/#newsletter.