Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Forest Service announced that 40 grants had been completed and paid out to volunteer fire departments in counties impacted by Hurricane Michael. The funding comes through the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Program, a program that provides federal financial, technical, and other assistance to State Foresters to organize, train, and equip fire departments in rural areas to prevent and suppress fires.
“I’m grateful for the cooperative relationships we’ve built and maintained with local fire departments in the Panhandle to protect residents still recovering from Hurricane Michael, as they rebuild their homes, communities, and lives,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried.