News Release

Compton Volunteer Fire Department Receives NPS Grant

Buffalo National River Deputy Superintendent Laura Miller presenting the grant to Compton VFD Board President Dee Hickman and Compton VFD members.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: November 15, 2017

Contact: Tony Collins, 870-365-2772

Harrison, AR: Compton Volunteer Fire Department received a $5,000 National Park Service Rural Fire Assistance Program grant from Buffalo National River at a ceremony at Compton on Monday, November 13th. “This grant will be used to purchase much needed firefighting equipment and personal protective gear” stated Buffalo National River Deputy Superintendent, Laura Miller when presenting the grant to members of the Compton Volunteer Fire Department. Miller went on to say that “the Park Service is aware of the dedication of all VFD firefighters” and ”recognized the great working relationship between the Buffalo National River staff and the Compton VFD firefighters”.

The National Park Service provides Rural Fire Assistance grants to neighboring community fire departments to enhance local wildfire protection, purchase equipment, and train volunteer firefighters. Service fire staff also assist directly with community projects. These efforts reduce the risk to human life and facilitate park service firefighters' coordination with community fire organizations when fighting wildfires. The Department of the Interior receives an appropriated budget each year for an Rural Fire Assistance grant program. The maximum award per grant is $20,000. The Department of the Interior assistance program targets rural and volunteer fire departments that routinely help fight fire on or near Department of the Interior lands.