Sen. Walley Congratulates Hardeman County Emergency Responders on Receiving Nearly $440,000 in State Grants
Sen. Page Walley (R-Bolivar) is recognizing volunteer fire departments and emergency responders in Hardeman County after they received a combined $439,659 in grants from funds appropriated by lawmakers and administered by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
“The men and women serving these volunteer departments and rescue squads are dedicated public servants who make a tremendous difference every day,” Walley said. “I was glad to vote for these funds in the budget because this investment will strengthen emergency response capabilities across Hardeman County and help ensure these organizations can continue protecting our communities.”
Grant recipients include:
* Bolivar Fire Department — $42,480
* Middleton Fire Department — $64,500
* Grand Valley Area Volunteer Fire Department — $40,359
* Hickory Valley Fire Department — $41,379
* Hornsby Volunteer Fire Department — $42,296
* Hardeman County Rescue Squad — $119,330
* Whiteville Fire Department — $89,315
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance recognized grant recipients during a luncheon on July 28, 2026, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The event featured Commissioner Carter Lawrence, Assistant Commissioner Mike Bell and members of the State Fire Marshal’s Office celebrating volunteer fire departments and rescue squads that received grants over the past year.
The grants were made available by a $42 million grant pool created by the Tennessee General Assembly to support important emergency and community services across the state, including $20 million for Volunteer Fire Departments and $5 million for Volunteer Rescue Squads. The program is in high demand each year, with applications consistently exceeding available funding, as local communities work to strengthen emergency response capabilities and other essential public services.
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