(KIWA Staff Photo)Grimes, Iowa — The Primghar Fire Department is receiving some funding from their gas company’s foundation.
Black Hills Energy serves Primghar gas customers, and their officials say volunteer firefighters play a critical role in protecting the communities they serve, often responding to emergencies while balancing careers, families, and other responsibilities.
Through the Black Hills Corporation Foundation’s Funds for Firefighters program, Black Hills Energy officials tell us they are proud to support these local heroes with resources that help keep communities safe.
This year, the Foundation awarded $165,000 through 72 grants benefiting volunteer and combination fire departments across its service territory. The grants are expected to positively impact residents in 72 communities across seven states.
The Primghar Fire Department is one of 12 Iowa fire departments that received a total of $28,000. The other fire departments are the ones serving the communities of
- Anita
- Asbury
- Dyersville
- Fonda
- Glidden
- Hamburg
- Lamont
- Luana
- New Hampton
- Ralston
- West Union
They tell us that the Funds for Firefighters grants help departments purchase critical equipment and resources, including
- Protective gear such as coats, helmets, boots and safety equipment
- Rescue and emergency response tools
- Communication equipment and radios
- Fire suppression equipment, hoses and nozzles
- Infrastructure improvements and facility upgrades
- Other mission-critical equipment identified by local departments
Black Hills’ General Manager of Iowa Gas Operations, Pete Hamell (no, not that Pete Hamill [Sheldon City Council]) says that volunteer firefighters answer the call when their neighbors need them most, and Black Hills is honored to support these dedicated first responders through the Funds For Firefighters program and help provide the equipment and resources they need to serve their communities safely and effectively.
Black Hills says the Funds for Firefighters program aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to building thriving communities throughout its service territory.
Since 2001, the Black Hills Corporation Foundation has granted more than $10 million to organizations across the communities they serve.
To learn more about Black Hills Energy’s commitment to community impact, visit blackhillsenergy.com/community.
Black Hills serves approximately 160,000 customers in Iowa, including gas customers in Paullina and Primghar in our area, as well as in several nearby communities in Dickinson, Clay, and Cherokee counties.
