08/18/2026
$10,000 Grant recipient! Bridgewater Fire
Tuesday August 18, 2026
Bridgewater, Iowa Fire Department Receives $10,000 Grant from State Farm® to Purchase Needed Equipment
Donation made in collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council and announced in time for Volunteer Firefighters Recognition Day
The Bridgewater, Iowa Fire Department is excited to announce that it is one of 150 volunteer fire departments across the nation to receive a $10,000 grant through the State Farm® Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. In collaboration with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), State Farm has awarded $1.5 million in grants to help local fire departments obtain needed equipment to increase their responders’ safety, effectiveness and ability to serve their community.
With this grant, the Bridgewater, Iowa Fire Department will be able to purchase 2 Scott AirPak Pro SCBA (fire/rescue breathing apparatus) complete with masks, and two air bottles. The equipment will be purchased from Feld Fire in Carroll, Iowa.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is a portable system that supplies clean, compressed air to firefighters. It is used to protect them from thick smoke, toxic gases (like carbon monoxide), dangerous chemicals, and low-oxygen areas during fires and rescue missions.
The new equipment will replace aging SCBA units and will help keep firefighters better equipped.
The Grant was written by Douglas Miller who is the treasurer for the department.
The Bridgewater, Iowa Fire Department serves not only the city of Bridgewater but residents in Jackson, Washington and parts of Eureka townships in Adair County, Iowa. The department currently has 20 active members on the all-volunteer department.
“Our firefighters are dedicated to answering the call, no matter what time of the day or night and no matter the circumstance,” said Daryl Christensen, fire chief. “Ensuring we have the right equipment and tools is essential to keeping them safe and effective on the job. This generous support from State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council will help us better protect both our responders and our community.”
This is the third year of the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. Volunteer fire departments are essential to public safety, especially in rural and small-town communities. However, many operate with limited budgets and struggle to secure the funding for critical equipment. These grants are a lifeline for local departments to obtain equipment that will increase safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
In addition to the grants, State Farm also provided the first 2,000 applicants with a one-year membership to the NVFC – the leading association representing the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services – so they have access to additional tools, resources, and training to support their continued success.
Learn more about the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program at www.nvfc.org/statefarm.
About State Farm
For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,200 agent offices and 65,000 employees serve over 96 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire, life, health, commercial policies and financial services accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 36 on the 2025 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com.
About the National Volunteer Fire Council
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services. The NVFC unites and supports volunteer and combination fire and EMS organizations through education, advocacy, leadership development, and collaboration. Guided by professionalism and innovation, we provide the tools and resources needed to protect communities, advance responder health and safety, and prepare leaders for the future. Learn more and join at www.nvfc.org.
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