CNBNews

to Purchase Needed Equipment

The department will hold a community event with State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council on October 31, 2024

BROOKLAWN, NJ (October 28, 2024)--The Brooklawn Volunteer Fire Company is excited to announce that it is one of 100 volunteer fire departments nationwide 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.

Brooklawn Volunteer Fire Company can purchase 3-5 sets of brand-new turnout gear with this grant. Typically, their new members attend training in older, gently used gear for non-structural firefighting purposes, as providing new gear to all new members would not be financially feasible. Most importantly, for the members who have/ will have undergone training, having the proper gear signifies our respect for their unwavering commitment to the community of Brooklawn.

The Brooklawn Volunteer Fire Company was incorporated in 1942. Since then, the fire company has always served the community in a 100% volunteer-based capacity.

Christina Stewart, president of the Brooklawn Fire Company, shared, "Our organization is a vibrant and diverse group of dedicated men and women. The town of Brooklawn is a quaint community characterized by its charming array of single-family homes, with a few multi-family residences and a modest selection of retail and light industrial businesses, all tightly woven together within a one-square-mile area.

"We proudly serve a diverse population of around 1,800 residents, including the children attending our local K-8 institution, Alice Costello Elementary, which lies within our district. Among the challenges we face as a fire company are responding to motor vehicle accidents along the busy U.S. Route 130, assisting in emergencies involving vehicles submerged in water, providing crucial emergency medical services, tackling the complications of flooded basements, and responding to both vehicles and house fires. Each incident requires our team’s expertise, commitment, and teamwork to ensure the safety and well-being of our community."

“Our firefighters work hard to protect our community – helping their neighbors on their worst day. It is critical that we can provide these dedicated volunteers with the tools and resources they need to do their job safely and effectively,” said  Chief John D. McKinney III. “Thanks to this donation from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, we will be better equipped and prepared to respond at our best.”

Stewart said, "State Farm and the NVFC will join Brooklawn Volunteer Fire Company for a Halloween open house and recruitment event on Thursday, October 31. The community is invited to 100 S. Wilson Ave, Brooklawn, to meet local firefighters and learn more about what the department does. Representatives from State Farm and the NVFC will also, for the communion, present the grant to department members."

This is the inaugural year of the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. Volunteer fire departments are critical in protecting communities across the country, as well as tiny 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 in the NVFC – the leading nonprofit 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. 

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 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 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. 39 on the 2024 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, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.