Across the state, a total of 1,003 fire departments make up what is called the Arkansas Fire Service.

However, only 28 of them boast full-time staffs that provide services to their communities. The other 974, according to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, are made up of volunteer forces.

One of those volunteer forces is about to receive a much-needed infusion of funds to go towards upgrading some of its aging equipment.

On Monday, State Farm Insurance and the National Volunteer Fire Council announced the distribution of $1.5 million in grant money nationwide from their Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, which is in its second year.

The grants, $10,000 each, will go to 150 volunteer departments in 44 states.

"Firefighting and rescue equipment is expensive, and many

See Full Page