Thanks to Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska State Legislature for providing an additional $2 million in FY25 to add to the $5 million in grants allocated in FY24 for the State of Nebraska Volunteer Fire Departments (VFD). All NE VFDs are invited to apply for the VFD Radio grant. This grant is intended to supply volunteer fire departments with radio equipment to facilitate communication with state agencies.
- NOTE:While we would like to supply all 472 Nebraska VFDs with SRS Radio Kits, that will not be possible during the current life of this legislation budget year due to time and budget constraints. Instead, we will be using a selection process for all applications received by 8/16/2024. We awarded 186 VFDs with SRS Radio Kits in FY24 and anticipate an additional 65 to 75 for FY25. Applicants will be notified by 9/2/2024, if selected to receive an SRS Radio Kit.
2025 SRS VFD Grant
2025 Grant Application:(Click HERE)
Grant Equipment, Qualifications & Timeline Information
2024 SRS VFD Grant
Grant Equipment, Qualifications & Timeline Information
SRS VFD Radio Kit Distibution
SRS VFD Training Information
Notice to all Attendees:
Those VFDs that are getting the equipment in a case will receive it at the first training session they attend. For departments that will have the equipment installed, the vendor you chose during the application process will reach out to schedule a mutually agreeable installation date. There is no need to bring any apparatus to training. The training will be in a classroom setting with power supplies available for practice with the equipment.
- SRS VFD Training Videos
- SRS Operations Documentation
- SRS VFD Interoperability WebEx Recordings
- SRS VFD Training Newsletters
- SRS VFD Training Schedule
What to expect:
2025 Process
- After submitting the application form:
- 8/16/24 – VFD application submission deadline.
- 9/2/24 – OCIO to notify grantees of determination.
- Develop programming template for radios.
- 3/31/25 – ETA for initial equipment order from vendor
- TBD (dependent on equipment delivery) - Publish training dates for VFDs and schedule installation.
- Program SRS Radio Kits and configure equipment.
- Program radios and configure equipment.
- Add radios to system.
- Deliver equipment during training sessions.
- Grantee’s monthly test participation is expected from this point forward.
FAQ
Communications:
- Information will be disseminated through the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter Association (NSVA) and SRS System Users Group.
- Email questions to:
Kelsey C. Hetrick - Systems Coordinator
Office: 402-471-0209 or kelsey.c.hetrick@nebraska.gov