Belington Volunteer Fire Department receives $10,000 donation | News, Sports, Jobs

Submitted photo Phil Hart, center, chief of the Belington Volunteer Fire Department, accepts a $10,000 donation from, left, Erin of Shannon Reed State Farm and Nikki of Nikki Rogers State Farm. Two VFD members, on the right, look on.

BELINGTON–The Belington Volunteer Fire Department received a $10,000 grant to purchase portable radios for firefighters.

The Belington department is one of 100 volunteer fire departments across the country to receive a $10,000 grant through State Farm’s Good Neighbor Safety Program.

“Our firefighters work hard to protect our community and help their neighbors on their worst day” said Belington Fire Chief Phil Hart. “It is essential that we are able to provide these dedicated volunteers with the tools and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

“Thanks to this donation from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council, we will be better equipped and prepared to respond as best we can,” » Hart said.

With this grant, the department will be able to purchase new portable radios to update and replace those it currently uses.

The Belington Volunteer Fire Department provides fire services to the town of Belington and surrounding areas. She also helps firefighters Junior and Philippi. Its service is not limited to fires, as the department responds to automobile accidents, rescues, EMS assistance, weather incidents, landing zones and more, officials said.

In collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), State Farm awarded $1 million in grants to help local fire departments obtain the equipment needed to increase the safety, efficiency and capacity of their responders to serve their community.

This is the inaugural year of State Farm’s Good Neighbor fire safety program.

“Volunteer firefighters play a vital role in protecting communities across the country, especially small towns and rural areas. » says a State Farm press release. “However, they often operate on tight budgets and struggle to find funding for the necessary equipment.

“Working 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 departments and local communities.

State Farm also provided all applicants with NVFC membership, so they have access to additional tools, resources and training.