FEC Roundup for Safety program assists Flathead County Search and Rescue

At an April 13 meeting, Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety Directors awarded about $44,000 to nine area nonprofits, including Flathead County Search and Rescue Association (FCSAR).

FCSAR President Anthony Palmiotti presented on behalf of the well-known nonprofit, founded in 1950 and one of the oldest SAR organizations in the United States. He noted wryly that the group is receiving an exponentially increasing number of calls to assist in the mountains, on the rivers, and off and on the trails in an area about the size of Connecticut.

“We do get visitors around here in the summertime,” Palmiotti told the Roundup for Safety Board of Directors with a wink.

“The fire department is great, but the fire truck can’t always make it up to Camp Misery,” Palmiotti continued, referring to a trailhead in the Jewel Basin area. "That’s where we come in. Right now, our equipment isn’t keeping up with the volume of calls we’re receiving."

He further relayed that in efforts to inventory and bring all its rescue and medical equipment up to current Best Practices, FCSAR noted a need for two types of rescue equipment to assist in the many low and medium-angle rescues they perform: a vacuum spine board and rescue litter kit. FCSAR was awarded $2,670 in Roundup for Safety funds for these items.

Community safety grants were also awarded to:

– Serious Juju Skateboards – helmets, protective gear – $1,800

– Friends of Bigfork Fire Department – rescue ropes -- $10,000

– Libby School District – upgrades to bathroom approach -- $4,500

– Columbia Falls United Methodist Church – fencing, locks -- $10,000

– Martin City Rural Fire – turnout gear -- $10,000

– Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp – AED/CPR/lifeguard training kits -- $3,200

– Flathead Youth Home – motion lights, cameras -- $1,500

– Whitefish Youth Soccer – communication safety technology -- $410

The Roundup for Safety Board will consider May applications through April 30 and vote on them at its May 11 meeting. If your nonprofit is interested in applying for community safety funds, visit www.flatheadelectric.com/roundup or call Courtney Stone at 406-751-1820.