The Hornsby Fire Department in rural Hardeman County, Tennessee, says it has secured more than $290,000 in grants over the past year for new firefighting equipment, protective gear and rescue tools. The volunteer department is now asking neighbors and local businesses to help raise about $12,000 in matching money so it can buy a new brush truck.
The department announced the awards in a press release dated Oct. 7, 2026, and posted on its Facebook page. Hatchie Press also reported the news Thursday morning.
Hornsby Fire Department grants: where the money goes
The release lists four awards:
FEMA grant ($238,000): The largest award will pay for a brand-new brush truck. The department says the truck will improve its response to grass fires, brush fires, wildland emergencies and other rural incidents.
Tennessee Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training (VFEAT) grant ($42,296): This grant bought eight complete sets of turnout gear, the protective coats, pants and related equipment firefighters wear on fire scenes.
State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program ($10,000): This money helped buy rescue equipment for vehicle extrication and other emergency calls. The department says it was one of only eight fire departments in Tennessee, and one of three in West Tennessee, chosen for the award.
Tennessee Wildland Fire Grant: This grant provided six wildland firefighting rakes, six axes, six grass flappers and two backpack blowers.
The department said the wildland tools, combined with the future brush truck, will significantly improve its ability to fight fires in fields and wooded areas. That kind of fire can spread quickly in rural communities, especially during dry stretches like the one the region has seen this fall.
$12,000 local match needed for brush truck
The FEMA award comes with a catch: the department must put up a local match of about $12,000. In its release, the department said raising that amount is a significant challenge for a volunteer department with limited funds. It is asking businesses, organizations and community members to consider donating, and it said every donation, regardless of size, will help it reach the goal.
People who want to give or learn more are encouraged to contact the Hornsby Fire Department directly through its Facebook page.
A small volunteer department serving rural Hardeman County
Hornsby sits in eastern Hardeman County, not far from Middleton and the Mississippi state line. Like many rural fire departments in West Tennessee and North Mississippi, the Hornsby Fire Department is staffed by volunteers. It depends heavily on grants, donations, fundraisers and community support to keep trucks running and firefighters equipped.
The department thanked FEMA, the State of Tennessee and State Farm for the funding. It also credited its leadership, volunteer firefighters, local government officials and supporting organizations for the work behind the applications. It added that it has continued working to improve the training and qualifications of its volunteers over the past year.
Updated turnout gear and extrication tools directly affect firefighter safety and how quickly crews can help people trapped in wrecks. Volunteer departments often must go years between equipment replacements, so grants like these can make a large difference for a small town.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
