About
About the Arkansas Rural Fire Coalition
We exist because rural Arkansas volunteer firefighters deserve the same resources, funding, and support as any other community — and right now, they don't have it.
Our Story
Built by Firefighters, for Firefighters
The Arkansas Rural Fire Coalition was founded by volunteer firefighter Kenneth Ray after years of witnessing firsthand the widening gap between what rural volunteer fire departments need and what they actually receive.
Rural departments across Arkansas are staffed entirely by volunteers — neighbors protecting neighbors — yet they operate with aging equipment, shrinking budgets, and little political representation at the state level.
ARFC was created to change that. We bring together firefighters, department leaders, community members, and policymakers to advocate for the resources rural departments need to protect their communities safely and effectively.
Mission
"To strengthen Arkansas's rural volunteer fire departments through advocacy, resources, and community — ensuring every community has the fire protection it deserves."
Advocacy
We represent rural fire departments at the state and federal level, pushing for dependable funding models and policy changes that reflect the real needs of rural communities.
Resources
We connect departments with grant opportunities, training resources, and equipment resources they would otherwise never know about or have the capacity to pursue.
Community
We build solidarity among rural departments — sharing stories, best practices, and the collective voice needed to drive real change.
Accountability
We hold policymakers accountable for the safety of rural communities and make the case that adequate fire protection is not a luxury — it is a basic public service.
What We're Fighting For
The Challenges We're Addressing
01
Aging Equipment
Many Arkansas rural departments operate fire trucks, protective gear, and equipment that are decades past their service life. We advocate for dedicated state funding to replace equipment before it fails in the field.
02
Funding Gaps
Without a dependable statewide funding model, rural departments rely on fish and chicken dinners, chili cook-offs, bake sales, raffles, and local donations to cover basic operating costs. We push for structural funding solutions that does not require volunteers to fundraise for their own safety.
03
Training & Safety
Limited training budgets mean volunteers often lack access to the certifications and live-fire exercises needed to respond safely. We work to expand access to training programs and resources for rural departments.
04
Recruitment & Retention
Rising demands and inadequate support make it harder than ever to recruit new volunteers and keep experienced ones. We advocate for recognition, incentives, and support structures that honor the commitment of rural firefighters.
05
Legislative Representation
Rural fire departments rarely have a seat at the table when state budgets and emergency services policy are decided. ARFC gives them a voice.
06
Grant Access
Federal and state grant programs exist to help departments — but applying requires time, expertise, and capacity that most rural departments simply don't have. We help bridge that gap.
Leadership
Kenneth Ray
Founder & President, Arkansas Rural Fire Coalition
Kenneth Ray founded the Arkansas Rural Fire Coalition after years of direct experience with the challenges facing rural volunteer fire departments across the state.
His work is driven by a simple conviction: the volunteers who protect rural Arkansas communities deserve the same level of support, funding, and resources as any other emergency service — and the gap between what they have and what they need is a problem that demands organized, sustained advocacy.
Through ARFC, Kenneth works to connect departments with funding opportunities, amplify their stories at the state and federal level, and build the coalition needed to drive lasting policy change.
Get in touch
Join the Coalition
Whether you're a firefighter, a department leader, or a community member who cares about rural fire protection — there's a place for you in this work.