The Missouri Department of Public Safety invites volunteer fire departments in Texas County with annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less to apply for state grants of up to $15,000 for the purchase of firefighting equipment.
Eligible expenses include firefighter turnout gear, hand tools, chainsaws, interoperable radio equipment and wildland protective clothing. There is a 5% local cash match, which means for equipment costing $15,789.47, the local match share would be $789.47 and the state share of 95% would be $15,000.
“We are extremely appreciative of the dedicated volunteer firefighters who selflessly dedicate themselves to protecting their communities,” Gov. Mike Kehoe said. “We’ve made almost $1.5 million in state funding available to help support volunteer agencies with smaller budgets to help them invest in protective clothing and other equipment so that their firefighters can more effectively and safely respond to fires and other emergencies.”
“Our Missouri Division of Fire Safety estimates there are over 300 small, largely rural, fire departments that would be eligible for these $15,000 grants,” Department of Public Safety Director Mark James said. “This grant was designed to provide an opportunity for these departments to acquire some of the most useful equipment that they determine will best equip the specific needs of their firefighters.”
About $1.45 million in state funding is available for the program. The projected performance period for the grant is Dec. 15, 2025 to May 15, 2026. This funding opportunity will close when eligible applications have been received to fulfill the available funding.
What an amazing opportunity for Texas County cities.