Rescue Squad Grant Program

The Rescue Squad Grant Program is administered by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance through its State Fire Marshal’s Office. This initiative reflects a commitment from the State of Tennessee to enhance the emergency response capacity of certified rescue squads throughout the state. Backed by a $3 million allocation in the state’s FY2025 budget, this competitive grant opportunity seeks to provide essential equipment to rescue squads that serve and protect local communities. The department aims to ensure that these organizations are well-equipped to handle diverse rescue scenarios efficiently, safely, and in compliance with state guidelines. This program is structured to serve up to 300 rescue squads operating within Tennessee. Its core objective is to distribute funding fairly and effectively to those demonstrating the highest need. Equipment eligible for purchase includes a wide array of tools necessary for extrication, rope rescue, water rescue, and other specialized scenarios, excluding vehicles. Applicants must present requests using a pre-approved inventory and budget worksheet that outlines item quantities, conditions, and average ages of current equipment. Importantly, all requested items must meet the most current applicable standards. Rescue squads must fulfill several baseline eligibility requirements. They must maintain an active charter with the Tennessee Secretary of State, be recognized by their local government as a rescue service provider, and hold a valid Edison Supplier ID. While Tennessee Association of Rescue Squads (TARS) membership is not required, active reporting to TARS is mandatory. Applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. Central Time on February 21, 2025. Notably, rescue squads that have also applied for the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training (VFEAT) grant may only accept funding from one program. If awarded both, applicants must choose which award to accept. The application and evaluation process are structured and impartial. Each complete application undergoes review by three state employees uninvolved in creating the grant's rubric or criteria. Scores are based on both mandatory and additional criteria, including training compliance, economic indicators of the applicant's county, PPE age, mutual aid engagement, incident volume, and volunteer composition. Applications are ranked and passed to a seven-member selection committee, which includes six TARS representatives from Tennessee’s grand divisions and the Assistant Commissioner of Fire Prevention. The committee allocates funds by majority vote, ensuring high-need applicants receive priority. The grant timeline begins with the solicitation on January 21, 2025. Written questions are accepted until January 31, with final applications due on February 21, 2025. Technical evaluations conclude by March 21. Final selection meetings occur between March 25–26, and the Notice of Intent to Award is issued on March 28. Grant contracts are distributed by April 11, and signed contracts are due by April 30, 2025. The performance period for awarded grants runs from January 21, 2025, through June 20, 2026. The program is non-recurring, and awards will be distributed as a single lump-sum reimbursement upon contract approval. Grantees must submit documentation including invoices and receipts. Applicants should direct all questions and submissions to [email protected] and are encouraged to refer to the official solicitation documents, which detail all program requirements. Marybeth Gribble, Director of Fire Prevention Programs & Policy, serves as the primary point of contact. All submissions must be emailed to the provided address to ensure receipt by the deadline. The grant materials explicitly emphasize that failure to meet eligibility or application completeness requirements may result in disqualification.

Applicants must ensure that all eligibility criteria are met, especially proof of local government recognition and active TARS reporting. Incomplete applications or requests for ineligible items (e.g., vehicles) will be rejected.