Gary C. Wood
(919) 369-8077
gwood@southernforests.org
Ongoing
Project Title: NC Volunteer Fire Department Fund Location: North Carolina Impact: Statewide Funding: Special tax paid by insurance companies on policies written. Funds go into a grant program administered by the NC Department of Insurance - Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Project Description: The NC OSFM in conjunction with the NC Forest Service (NCFS) determined a need for funding for finacially disadvantaged fire departments to utilize to put FEPP or FFP equipment into service for fire suppression use. Many departments had a need and use for equipment obtained through the program but could not commit funds to putting the equipment into service. Oftentimes requiring them to turn the equipment back in. OSFM and the NCFS worked to get State legislation of the grant program amended to include allowing financially disadvantged fire departments to utilize funds from the Volunteer Fire Department Fund Grant to put FEPP or FFP equipment into service. The Volunteer Fire Department Grant in the past had only allowed use of the funds for purchasing PPE, fire hose, equipment, communications equipment, and training items. This change will allow more fire departments to participate in acquiring equipment from the Federal Excess programs and get it into service for use in fire suppression.
