Clarksville Fire Rescue Awarded Nearly $33K Grant for Dive Team Gear

The grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation will provide new personal protection equipment for the department's dive team.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Clarksville Fire Rescue (CFR) received a nearly $33,000 grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation to purchase new personal protection equipment (PPE) for its dive team. The grant, awarded in partnership with Whataburger, will provide specialized gear like dry suits, boots, and helmets to improve the safety and effectiveness of CFR's water rescue operations.

Why it matters

Swiftwater and dive rescue operations are among the most dangerous tasks firefighters undertake, requiring specialized equipment to protect personnel in hazardous, unpredictable water conditions. This grant will allow CFR's dive team to be better equipped and prepared to respond to emergencies and keep the community safe.

The details

The grant provided multiple sets of PPE, including dry suits, boots, and helmets, which will allow CFR's dive team to have dedicated gear instead of sharing equipment that wears out faster. This will improve the team's ability to safely and effectively respond to water rescue incidents.

  • On February 11, 2026, CFR and Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts gathered with representatives from the Gary Sinise Foundation, Whataburger, and Waterdogs Scuba and Safety to receive the grant.

The players

Clarksville Fire Rescue (CFR)

The fire department in Clarksville, Tennessee that received the grant to purchase new personal protection equipment for its dive team.

Gary Sinise Foundation

A non-profit organization founded by actor Gary Sinise that supports America's military, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Whataburger

A fast-food restaurant chain that partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation to facilitate the grant for Clarksville Fire Rescue.

Waterdogs Scuba and Safety

A company that helped facilitate the grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation to Clarksville Fire Rescue.

Joe Pitts

The mayor of Clarksville, Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“Swiftwater and dive rescue operations are some of the most dangerous things we do. We operate in cold, fast-moving, unpredictable water, often in low visibility and high-risk conditions. The right equipment matters. It protects our people and allows them to perform at the level the community expects.”

— Brandon McCurdy, Assistant Chief, Clarksville Fire Rescue (clarksvilleonline.com)

“The Gary Sinise Foundation has a strong history of standing beside firefighters and those who serve. Their commitment is more than words, it's action and impact. This grant is not just funding; it's a direct investment in the safety of our firefighters. We are truly grateful to the Gary Sinise Foundation and Whataburger for their support and for the trust they've placed in our department.”

— Brandon McCurdy, Assistant Chief, Clarksville Fire Rescue (clarksvilleonline.com)

“We're grateful for the partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation and Whataburger to help provide equipment for our outstanding dive team. CFR has done a phenomenal job with its rescue squad to ensure the safety of our citizens, and dedicated partnerships like this are crucial to advancing their mission.”

— Joe Pitts, Mayor of Clarksville (clarksvilleonline.com)

The takeaway

This grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in supporting first responders and equipping them with the specialized gear needed to safely and effectively carry out their duties, especially for high-risk operations like water rescues.