48 Missouri fire departments approved for equipment grants; applications still open

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Public Safety has notified the first 48 volunteer fire departments that they have been approved for up to $15,000 in state equipment grants.

The grants are part of the state’s first Missouri Volunteer Fire Department Grant program, announced in October, and are available to small departments with annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less. The program requires a 5% local cash match. For example, on equipment costing $15,789.47, the local share would be $789.47, with the state covering the remaining $15,000.

According to DPS, the most commonly requested equipment among the initial recipients includes radios, hoses and nozzles, firefighter turnout gear, extrication equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus.

Departments that have applied but have not yet been notified will receive updates once required documentation is complete. DPS said funding remains available and encouraged additional small volunteer fire departments to apply as soon as possible.

“This grant was designed specifically to assist small volunteer fire departments that play a vitally important role in protecting lives and property in many rural areas of the state,” DPS Director Mark James said. “We encourage other all-volunteer departments to consider applying for the grant. Our DPS Grants Unit is standing by to assist.”

Applications must be submitted through the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s online WebGrants system. A total of $1.455 million in state funding has been allocated for the program. The projected grant performance period runs from Dec. 15, 2025, through May 15, 2026. The funding opportunity will close once all available funds are awarded.

Eligible applicants include fire departments as defined in Section 320.200(3) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, including agencies that provide fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue services, emergency medical services, hazardous materials response or special operations within a defined geographic area.

Southeast Missouri fire departments:

• Arbyrd Volunteer Fire Department (Dunklin County)
• Benton Fire Department (Scott County)
• Brandsville Fire Protection District (Howell County – often included in SE MO coverage)
• Cooter Volunteer Fire Department (Pemiscot County)
• City of Gideon (New Madrid County)
• Grandin Rural Volunteer Fire Department (Carter County)
• Hornersville Fire Department (Dunklin County)
• Lake Road FF14/FF17 Volunteer Fire Department (Scott County area)
• Montauk Rural Fire Department (Dent County – frequently grouped with SE MO fire coverage)
• Morehouse Fire Rescue (New Madrid County)
• Portageville Rural Fire Department (New Madrid County)
• Ripley County Fire Department (Ripley County)
• Senath Fire Department (Dunklin County)
• Van Buren Volunteer Fire Department (Carter County)
• Whitewater Fire Protection District (Cape Girardeau County)