CommunityCare Grant Program Supports Riceville Fire Department
posted on Monday, April 1, 2019
Earlier last year, Iowa Select Farms awarded the Riceville Fire Department $17,500 as part of its CommunityCare grant program. The funds were used to purchase a complete set of rescue tools, replacing an 18-year-old jaws of life.
“Within a week of receiving the new equipment we used it to rescue a car crash victim trapped inside their vehicle,” said fire chief, Derek Reddel. “This new jaws of life is lighter in weight and provides faster cutting. It’s already helping us save lives.”
The new jaws of life is battery operated—the only of its kind in the region. All 23 Riceville firefighters have completed the necessary training to use the equipment.
“The old equipment was hydraulic which meant once we got to a scene we had to put down a tarp, start the gas motor and hook up hoses. We also could only use one tool at a time,” Reddel explained. “Now we can use all of the tools at once within 5-10 minutes of arriving at a scene. It’s much more efficient and also quieter, which helps to keep victims and the rescue team calm and focused.”
The CommunityCare grant program was established in 2016 by Iowa Select Farms and has provided more than $150,000 to local schools, recreation and environmental stewardship initiatives, fire departments and community betterment projects.
Funds for the 2019 Riceville CommunityCare grant program are still available. Please contact the Mitchell County Economic Development office at 641-732-4790 or by email at [email protected] for the grant criteria and an electronic copy of the application. Applications for the next round of grants are due on May 31, 2019.
“Giving back to the communities where we live and work is important to us as farmers, which is why we started the CommunityCare grant program,” said Jeff Hansen, CEO of Iowa Select Farms. “We’re excited to continue supporting local efforts and organizations that strengthen our community.”
Applications will be evaluated based on benefit to local residents, identification of needs, ability to leverage funding and completeness of application.
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