Missoula Rural Fire District Awarded Assistance to Firefighters Grant Funding

October 1st, 2025

News release prepared by:
Deputy Chief Cory Horsens

The Missoula Rural Fire District (MRFD) was recently awarded $139,556.66 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The funds will be utilized to purchase essential equipment for a recently acquired ambulance that will be housed at MRFD station 4 in Bonner. Firefighters employed by MRFD are cross trained to provide emergency medical care in addition to firefighting, hazardous materials mitigation, and technical rescue services. MRFD enjoys a close relationship with Missoula Emergency Services, Inc. (MESI) to provide ambulance transport for citizens of the fire district that are ill or injured. The newly purchased MRFD ambulance will be utilized during circumstances in which the EMS system is overwhelmed with calls, mass casualty incidents, and medical standby events.
The AFG Program is a federal grant program that provides direct funding to fire departments, EMS organizations, and fire training academies to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and first responders. This award is part of $324 million awarded this fiscal year. Since its creation in 2001, the AFG Program has awarded billions of dollars in funding to fire and EMS organizations across the United States. The program is competitive, and departments nationwide apply for funding. Applications are peer-reviewed by fire service professionals. MRFD is very grateful to be the recipient of funds from this year’s AFG Program.
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For additional information on this incident, please contact MRFD at 406-549-6172.