Blog by: Justin Brown, Georgia Forestry Commission Rural Fire Defense Coordinator
Every rural fire department has a story—of volunteers stepping up, neighbors helping neighbors, and communities built on resilience. For decades, the Rural Fire Defense Program has played a vital role in those stories, helping protect lives, homes, and Georgia’s natural landscapes. Today, we’re working to strengthen that legacy for the next generation.
Supporting Rural Firefighters Across Georgia
For more than 50 years, the Georgia Forestry Commission’s Rural Fire Defense (RFD) Program has helped small and rural fire departments get the equipment and support they need. These departments often rely on volunteers, and every truck and tool they receive makes a real difference during wildfires, structure fires, and natural disasters.
As the new Statewide RFD Coordinator, my goal is simple: keep the program focused on what matters most—ensuring rural firefighters have dependable, practical equipment that helps them protect the people they serve.
Working Together for Safer Communities
Strong rural fire protection doesn’t happen alone. It depends on collaboration between firefighters, local leaders, and community members. We’re strengthening those partnerships across Georgia to make sure local needs are heard and every community has a clear understanding of the support available through the RFD Program.
We’re also creating more opportunities for departments to share ideas and success stories, allowing rural fire crews across the state to learn from one another and grow stronger together.
Clear Communication & Strong Support
We are committed to making the RFD Program easier for departments to navigate and ensuring help is always accessible when they need it. Better communication and strong statewide coordination mean departments can get answers faster and stay confident in the tools they rely on during emergencies. Keeping thousands of pieces of equipment in good condition is a big responsibility—and one we take seriously to support the safety of the public and the firefighters who serve them.
Helping Departments Through Grants
The Georgia Forestry Commission also manages the Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Program, which helps departments purchase equipment used for wildfire response. Recent updates have made the program faster and more flexible, giving rural departments easier access to the funding that helps protect their communities.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
My connection to this work is personal. I grew up watching my father respond to calls in RFD-built fire engines—trucks that were simple, dependable, and essential to our community. Years later, as a volunteer firefighter myself, I operate those same kinds of trucks on real emergencies. Those experiences shaped my commitment to ensuring today’s firefighters have the same strong support that guided me.
That commitment drives my vision for the future: A Rural Fire Defense Program that honors its history, supports today’s firefighters, and strengthens Georgia’s rural communities for years to come.
The work ahead is exciting, and the progress already underway will bring meaningful benefits across the state. Together, we’re building a stronger, safer Georgia—one rural fire department at a time.