From Katie Smith, Mid-South Communications Specialist
Elmore/Autauga County
AUTAUGA/ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. — Over the last two years, 53% of the Mid-South RC&D
Council’s General Fund Budget has been used to support local first responder agencies, a majority of
which were volunteer fire departments. Come April 1, 2025, the Mid-South RC&D Council will open its
FY 2026 Grant Cycle, creating an opportunity for these vital agencies to receive financial support.
“Mid-South works with eligible organizations like local nonprofits, emergency services, and schools,
allowing us to have a broad impact in our service area,” said Katie Smith, Mid-South RC&D Council
Communications Specialist. “At our core, we’re focused on meeting community needs. That’s why we
believe in strengthening the protection and safety responses provided to the citizens of Alabama.”
Approximately $611,899 was spread across Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, and
Montgomery counties during FY 2024 and FY 2025. Volunteer Fire Departments and other emergency
service agencies can use the FY 2026 Grant Cycle as an opportunity to receive funds for needed materials
and equipment.
“We got a thermal drone through Mid-South RC&D last year, and we’ve used it for several wildfires and
search and rescues,” said Billingsley Volunteer Fire Chief Jarad Bonebrake. “For instance, [recently] we
had several fires that we were on. We used the drone to find out where the hotspots were and where it had
jumped breaks.”
Volunteer Fire Departments can cost around $40,000 to $50,000 to run basic operations. Then, fire
equipment can cost several thousand dollars depending on the department’s individual needs. For
example, the fire protective equipment worn by the firefighters can cost between $5,000 – $7,000 per
person, but that only begins to scratch the surface of the equipment needed for volunteer fire departments
to work efficiently and safely.
Now, generally volunteer fire departments receive money through grants and fundraising, but some do
receive funding from local taxes.
“While we do have funds that help us operate the fire department, the funds that we receive from Mid
South RC&D did supplement us and allow us to replace some of our worn-out turnout gear,” said Elmore
VFD Board Secretary, Art Faulkner. “In turn, that allowed us a little bit of money in savings.”
The Mid-South RC&D Council wants to continue to work as a financial resource to help local fire
departments and other emergency service agencies in Autauga and Elmore County secure needed funds.
Both paid and volunteer fire departments in Autauga County have received grants from the Mid-South
RC&D Council in the past, including Marbury, Independence, Billingsley, Pine Level, Prattville, and
Autauga County Rescue Squad. In Elmore County, both paid and volunteer fire departments have
received grants from the Mid-South RC&D Council in the past, including Buyck, Eclectic, Elmore,
Emerald Mountain, Friendship, Holtville/Slapout, Kowaliga, Red Hill, Redland, Santuck, Tallassee, and
Wetumpka. If there are any questions about the FY 2026 Grant Cycle, please call Mid-South by dialing (334) 356-1855.
