SFMO: Tennessee Rescue Squads Must Be Recognized and Authorized To Be Eligible for Grant Funding

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) and the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) are reminding Tennessee rescue squads that they must be recognized and authorized by the Department to qualify for grant funds starting in 2027.

This important change is part of the Rescue Squad Recognition Act, which was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly earlier this year. The Act took effect July 1, 2026.

Under the Act, a Tennessee rescue squad must be recognized by its local elected governing body, have a valid certificate of recognition from the SFMO, and file a certificate of charter with the Tennessee Secretary of State's Office to apply for future State of Tennessee grant funding.

“By gaining recognition through the SFMO, Tennessee rescue squads will continue to operate lawfully in Tennessee and remain eligible to receive state grants in 2027 and beyond,” said TDCI Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Carter Lawrence. “This is an important step that will help ensure that these vital agencies can apply to receive future grant monies that can help support their operation and keep Tennesseans safe.”

Rescue squads that do not register with the SFMO will not be eligible for state grant funding. Any rescue squad that decides not to function as an approved rescue squad must notify the SFMO and their local elected officials of their intention.

A full list of requirements needed for recognition can be found in the Rescue Squad Recognition Act.

Rescue squad members with questions about the registration process should contact the SFMO by email at Fire.Prevention@tn.gov or by phone at (615) 741-2981.

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