State Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) said he is very pleased that three Volunteer Fire Departments in Cocke County have been selected to receive funding through the Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant Program. The program was set up under legislation which Southerland co-sponsored in the General Assembly last year. The program helps Tennessee’s volunteer fire departments purchase equipment. It also provides essential funds to help them meet local matching requirements for federal grants for this purpose. “Our firefighters risk their lives to keep our community safe,” said Senator Southerland. “It is imperative that they have the training and resources they need to stay safe. These grants are going to help us accomplish that.”