Bigfork Fire receives grant

The Bigfork Fire Department recently received a $1,500 grant from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation for purchase of a new ice rescue sled.

“The new sled will allow our emergency rescue teams to more effectively and safely run rescue operations on ice,” said Chief Chuck Harris. “Thanks to the Town Pump Foundation, we are able to enhance our ability to serve our community.”

The local fire department’s grant is one of 82 awarded by the Foundation to fire departments throughout Montana this spring, totaling over $250,000. The grants are to be used for a variety of life-saving equipment, including Turnouts (fire-safety suits), SCBAs (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus), rescue equipment, pumps, and automated external defibrillators.

“This past winter we had to borrow Creston Fire Department’s Ice Rescue Sled twice,” Harris said. “Now with our own sled we can respond quicker and faster to emergencies on any lake or river in our Fire District, and as always, we will work and train with Ferndale Fire and share our equipment and personnel, should there be a need.”

“The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is pleased to provide much-needed money again this year to local fire departments,” said Maureen Kenneally, spokesperson for Town Pump. “Our local firefighters are vital to our communities. They deserve the best equipment possible to protect property, save lives and better serve their communities.”