The SW Polk Fire District is honored to announce it has been awarded a generous grant of $39,123.20 from the Gary Sinise Foundation’s First Responder Outreach program. This funding will be used to acquire essential equipment and training to enhance emergency response capabilities in the region.
The Gary Sinise Foundation, known for its unwavering commitment to supporting first responders and military personnel, provides funding to districts that demonstrate a critical need for resources. The SW Polk Fire District, which serves a vast rural area with limited funding, will use the grant to purchase vital protective gear and medical equipment, ensuring the safety of both firefighters and the community they serve.
“This grant will allow us to replace expired and damaged personal protective equipment (PPE), which are crucial for responding effectively to emergencies,” said Fred Hertel, Fire Chief of the SW Polk Fire District. “With rising operational costs and increasing demands on our district, this funding helps bridge the gap and enables us to continue providing high-quality emergency services.”
The district, funded primarily by property tax levies and user fees, has faced financial challenges in recent years, particularly with rising personnel costs and station infrastructure needs. Support from organizations like the Gary Sinise Foundation ensures that first responders have the tools they need to protect lives and property.
For more information about the SW Polk Fire District, visit https://www.swpolkfd.org/. To learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation and its mission to serve and honor first responders, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.
