Pictured in the photo are members of the Bodcaw Volunteer Fire Department and Betsy Thomson, a State Farm Representative.
BODCAW – Bodcaw Volunteer Fire Department is excited to announce that it is one of 150 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 $1.5 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, Bodcaw Volunteer Fire Department will be able to purchase wildland firefighter protection gear for 6 of its members. This equipment will help to ensure they keep their firefighters safe while battling wildfires.
Nelson Irizarry, spokesperson for the Department said, “Our firefighters are dedicated to answering the call, no matter the hour or circumstance. Ensuring they have the right equipment and tools is essential to keeping them safe and effective on the job. This generous support from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council will help us better protect both our responders and our community.”
This is the third year of the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. Volunteer fire departments are essential to public safety, especially in rural and small-town communities. However, many operate with limited budgets and struggle to secure the funding for critical equipment. These grants are a lifeline for local departments to obtain equipment that will increase safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
In addition to the grants, State Farm also provided the first 2,000 applicants with a one-year 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 support their continued success.
Learn more about the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program at www.nvfc.org/statefarm.
About State Farm
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,200 agent offices and 65,000 employees serve over 96 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 36 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.
About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.