Downing Community Fire Association Approved for State Equipment Grant
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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Downing Community Fire Association has been approved for a state equipment grant of up to $15,000 through the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The funding is part of a new initiative aimed at helping small volunteer fire departments purchase critical firefighting equipment.
The grant program, announced in October, is designed for departments with annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less. It requires a 5 percent local match, which means for equipment valued at $15,789.47, the department’s contribution would be $789.47, with the state covering the remaining 95 percent.
Eligible equipment includes radios, turnout gear, hoses and nozzles, self-contained breathing apparatus, and extrication tools.
“This grant was created to support the vital work of volunteer fire departments like Downing’s, which are essential to public safety in rural communities,” said Department of Public Safety Director Mark James. “We encourage other eligible departments to apply while funding remains available.”
Applications must be submitted through the department’s WebGrants system. The projected performance period for the grant is Dec. 15, 2025, through May 15, 2026.
A total of $1,455,000 in state funding has been allocated for the program.