ROWAN COUNTY, Ky. — The Elliottville Fire Department is receiving a significant financial boost, with $15,000 in new funding coming from a national firefighter safety grant and an additional contribution approved Tuesday by the Rowan County Fiscal Court.
Elliottville Fire Department has been selected to receive a $10,000 grant through the 2026 State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, a partnership between State Farm and the National Volunteer Fire Council.
The program is awarding $1.5 million this year, providing $10,000 grants to 150 volunteer fire departments across 43 states. The funding is intended to help departments purchase equipment and resources that improve firefighter safety and their ability to respond to emergencies.
The need for such funding is especially significant for volunteer departments. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council and State Farm, 82 percent of fire departments in the United States are made up entirely or mostly of volunteer firefighters, and many operate with limited budgets.
The Elliottville department received another boost Tuesday when the Rowan County Fiscal Court voted to contribute an additional $5,000 to the department.
Combined, the grant and Fiscal Court contribution provide Elliottville Fire Department with $15,000 in additional funding.
The latest funding comes as Rowan County has placed increased emphasis on supporting its volunteer fire departments. The county's current budget includes additional funding for its four volunteer departments, including money designed to allow certified firefighters to be paid for scheduled station coverage.
Volunteer departments such as Elliottville play a critical role in providing fire protection and emergency response throughout Rowan County, often relying on a combination of public funding, grants, fundraising and volunteers to maintain equipment and operations.
The Morehead Minute will continue following investments in Rowan County's volunteer fire departments and emergency services.