I was a student in the grant writing class you presented in Denver (South Metro Fire) back in March 2025. We ate dinner together at the steakhouse down the road from our hotel the first night.
When I started the class, I was finalizing a grant application for the Dept. of the Interior for skid units for wildland fire apparatus. Based on your classes, I went back to my room on Thursday and heavily edited the application and submitted it that night.
A month later, I got a note from the Dept. of the Interior, informing me I had made a mistake in my numbers on two pages. They were giving me an opportunity to make a correction, which I did.
I also asked why they gave me a chance to correct my error. She wrote back and said it was because I included a thank you to the review committee. I was flabbergasted but wanted to let you know that was really sound advice you gave us about finding a place to say thank you!
Yesterday I was notified we were awarded funding for two skid units.
Total award is almost $73,000.
The grant will allow us to breathe new life into a failing Type 3 brush truck and Type 6 quick attack truck.
I cannot thank you enough for the great class you presented and the points you made to all of us worked for my department. I know for many a $73,000 grant is not a lot of money, but it’s huge for a small, rural department like ours. I just thought you’d like to hear a success story.
Respectfully,
James R. Rice
Captain, T41
Tallahassee Fire Protection District
Engine Captain and Operations Officer