Rural firefighters across northwest Iowa are getting a boost to help them answer the call.
Iowa Select Farms and the Deb and Jeff Hansen Foundation are providing $222,000 to 65 rural fire departments across Iowa through a new initiative called Farm to Frontline.
Thirteen departments in the Storm Lake Radio listening area are among those receiving support: Albert City, Early, Fonda, Havelock, Holstein, Ida Grove, Kiron, Lake City, Lake View, Odebolt, Rockwell City, Rolfe and Sac City.
Each of those departments will receive a $3,000 grant to help purchase tools, equipment and supplies.
The initiative launched in October, during National Pork Month and Fire Prevention Month, to recognize the vital role rural first responders play in protecting their neighbors and communities, according to the organization.
Deb Hansen, co-founder of Iowa Select Farms and the foundation, says rural firefighters are there when their neighbors need them most. She says the grants are intended to help ensure departments have the equipment they need to continue their work.
The 65 departments serve communities where Iowa Select Farms operates and where its employees, contractors, farmers and families live and work. Several company employees also serve as volunteer firefighters, and many of the departments have responded to emergencies at Iowa Select Farms facilities.
Jeff Hansen, co-founder of the company and foundation, says the firefighters are neighbors who run toward emergencies when others are trying to get away. He says the organizations are grateful for their work and want to help strengthen the departments that keep rural Iowa communities safe.
Farm to Frontline builds on the Hansen family’s commitment to supporting Iowa communities. It is also part of Iowa Select Farms’ broader community outreach, which includes efforts to address food insecurity, support military families and veterans, and help children living with cancer.
