July 2023

The Rural Fire Protection (RFP) program within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is dedicated to assisting communities and fire departments in protecting lives, property, and the environment.

Notice: New Cooperative Agreement

A new cooperative agreement is required for all Arkansas fire departments receiving assistance through the Fire Fighter Property (FFP) or Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) programs from the Rural Fire Protection (RFP) office. Before participating in any program within the RFP office, a fire department must be legally organized and have a current cooperative agreement on file.

The latest cooperative agreement and standard operating procedures can be found here. Any questions about the new agreement or procedures can be directed to Kathryn Mahan-Hooten, RFP Administrator, at (501) 679-3183.

Meet the New RFP Coordinator

We are pleased to introduce Greyson Cooper who was recently promoted to the RFP Coordinator position. Greyson has worked for the RFP office for four years and brings valuable knowledge to the position as well as hands-on experience in the federal property field. Please help us congratulate him. Greyson can be reached by phone at (501) 679-3186 and by email at greyson.cooper@agriculture. arkansas.gov.

Spotlight

The Dermott Fire Department in Chicot County received a 2005 Chevy 3500 through the Fire Fighter Property program. Pictured are Fire Chief Damond Coffey and his son Damonta Coffey.

The Waldron Fire Department in Scott County received a 2004 Wells cargo trailer through the Federal Excess Personal Property program. Pictured are Fire Chief Ken Overturf and firefighters Mark Lystad and Keaton Davis.

Botkinburg Fire Department in Van Buren County received a 2009 Ford F150 service truck through the Federal Excess Personal Property program. Pictured are Fire Chief Tom Prout and RFP Coordinator Greyson Cooper.

Save the Date: 2023 Rural Fire Show

Registration is now open for the 2023 Rural Fire Show! Join us at the Conway Expo Center on October 7, 2023 for our annual event thanking Arkansas firefighters and their families. Firefighters may register via email at lisa.k.clark@agriculture.arkansas.gov. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact Kathryn Mahan-Hooten, RFP administrator, at (501) 679-3183.

Find photos from the 2022 Rural Fire Show here. 

For additional information, call (501) 679-3581 or visit our website.