An EF-3 tornado ran through Selmer, Tennessee, on April 3, 2025. The aftermath of the tornado caused four deaths in Selmer, and several people were injured.
Although this traumatic experience caused uncontrollable flooding in the town, Tennessee rescue groups responded quickly.
“The Selmer Fire Department were some among the first on the scene and played a pivotal role in the immediate aftermath of the disaster,” LaShell H. Moore, Town of Selmer Alderwoman, said. “Their swift response included search and rescue operations, providing medical aid to the injured, and assisting in evacuations. Their dedication to the community has been crucial in mitigating the impact of the disaster and facilitating the recovery process.”
Individuals fostering a safer community are more important now than ever, according to Moore. She expanded on her willingness to be proactive as she grew up in Selmer and witnessed the dedication of local leaders firsthand.
“My values of service, empathy and community-focused decision-making align with the role of an alderman,” Moore said. “The role of a city alderman encompasses not just governance but also advocacy. I’m passionate about representing the voices of our residents, ensuring that progress is inclusive and reflective of their needs and building a sustainable economy.”
As several natural disasters occurred across Tennessee, about 95 rescue squads received $3 million in grants in 2025. This donation came through the Rescue Squad Grant Program.
Moore elaborated on the grant’s timeliness and magnitude concerning the recent tornado in Selmer.
“(This grant) is a pivotal investment in the state’s disaster management capabilities and is expected to have a profound impact on Tennessee’s ability to handle future natural disasters,” Moore said. “By enhancing emergency response infrastructure, investing in training and community education, and focusing on resilience and recovery, Tennessee will be better equipped to handle natural disasters in the future.”
In addition to Selmer, Tennessee, McNairy County is well-versed in natural hazards. The opportunities provided by the grant — engineering projects to control water flow and flooding prevention — will go beyond these two locations in Tennessee.
“Tennessee rescue squads, which are largely staffed by volunteers, can use the grant monies to purchase replacement equipment for outdated equipment or equipment that reached the end of its usefulness,” Kevin Walters, theTennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance communications director, said. “This helps ensure that rescue squad members can more safely and effectively complete their missions of saving lives.”
Some rescue squads that will receive donations include Knox County Rescue, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Service, Greeneville Emergency and Rescue Squad and Lake County Squad.
According to Walters, Governor Bill Lee and the General Assembly collected about $2 million in 2022 for emergency equipment for Tennessee rescue squads.
“Grant awards may be used to purchase equipment used by rescue squads for incident response and to protect the lives of squad members,” a statement by the TDCI said. “A total of $8 million has been allocated through three funding cycles for use by Tennessee rescue squads to purchase new equipment.”
Students and residents living in a state prone to natural disasters like Tennessee can find comfort within this grant, as it provides a sense of community protection. Improved funding can better support first responders, which directly impacts residents of Knoxville and other areas in Tennessee.
“This event is a multi-million-dollar disaster affecting many homes, people, and even costing some lives,” Moore said. “What gives us hope are the hundreds of dedicated volunteers from across the nation and globe who have come to aid in the immediate aftermath of the storm to put us on the path of recovery. I feel that with continued focus and commitment, we can come back much stronger.”
