BCBS Provides Grants to Rural NC Fire Departments

Many rural NC fire departments have been receiving special grant checks over the past few weeks due to a contribution from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.  The insurance provider recently provided $500,000 to the North Carolina Firefighters Fund (NCFF)and North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (NCSFA) as part of their 2020 Rural North Carolina Initiative for distribution to rural fire departments.  Working in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal, the funds have been distributed to rural departments with governmental support of less than $55,000 annually.

NCSFA Financial Director and NCFF treasurer Dean Coward met up with NC Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey Tuesday to deliver two $5,000 checks to Grape Creek Volunteer Fire Department and Unaka Volunteer Fire Department in Cherokee County.

NCSFA is proud to assist in this program and extends sincere appreciation to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for making this program possible.  Many rural departments are not able to hold their fundraising events this spring and summer due to the COVID-19 restrictions and rely on these events for operating and capital expenditures.