Tennessee Rescue Squad Scores $52K Grant for Lifesaving Equipment

Tennessee’s Sevier County Rescue Squad is getting a major boost to its emergency response efforts thanks to a newly awarded state grant. State Rep. Fred Atchley announced that the rescue squad has been awarded $52,560 through the Tennessee Rescue Squad Grant Program, which provides funding to help local squads across the Volunteer State purchase vital lifesaving equipment.

“The men and women of Sevier County Rescue Squad have fearlessly served our community for decades and I’m thrilled to see them receive this support,” Atchley said. “Equipment can be very costly and I’m grateful these grants help ease that financial burden. Thank you to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office for their continued support.”

Sevier County’s squad is one of 95 Tennessee rescue squads selected to receive grant funding in 2025. The $52,560 grant will support the purchase of tools and gear essential for emergency response and protecting the lives of rescue personnel.

The 113th Tennessee General Assembly approved $3 million in total grant funding this year to assist rescue squads across the state. These organizations provide specialized emergency services, including vehicle extrication, structural collapse response, and swift water rescue. The equipment they use can be costly, and these grants aim to help lessen that burden for local departments.

The grant program is administered by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO), which is part of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). According to the SFMO, the application period drew 149 proposals from across Tennessee. Each application was reviewed, scored, and evaluated by a seven-member selection committee before final decisions were made.

Rescue squads interested in applying during the next grant cycle are encouraged to contact the SFMO at [email protected] for more information. A full list of 2025 grant recipients can be found on the SFMO’s official website.

With this latest investment from the state, the Sevier County Rescue Squad will be better equipped to continue its proud tradition of service—protecting Tennesseans and saving lives when every second counts.