Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department To Receive Equipment And Training Grant

NASHVILLE, Tenn.- The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) announced Tuesday that Big Sandy and 61 other Tennessee volunteer fire departments will receive grants as part of the $1 million Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program.

The grants will be used to purchase firefighting equipment or to help departments meet local matching requirements for federal equipment grants.

TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence said, “I’ve traveled across Tennessee and personally met many of the brave men and women who serve their communities as volunteer firefighters. I have seen the pressing needs faced by Tennessee’s volunteer firefighters who continue to steadfastly serve their communities. They show great courage and bravery despite using often aging equipment that needs to be replaced.”

During the application period (Jan. 18 – Feb. 28, 2022), the SFMO received 172 applications from Tennessee fire departments. The applications were reviewed, scored, and submitted to a seven-member committee for the final award selection. As required by law, the grants were awarded equally to fire departments across Tennessee’s three Grand Divisions.

A list of the 62 fire departments receiving grant money in 2022 can be found here.