Central Minnesota Emergency Response Departments Receive Equipment Grants

(KNSI) — Two local first responder agencies are among 53 statewide receiving up to $4,000 each through Compeer Financial’s Emergency Response Equipment Grants program.

The grants are part of the Fund for Rural America initiative and help volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance agencies purchase needed equipment and technology upgrades.

The Eden Valley Fire Department will use its grant for wildfire gear and self-contained breathing apparatuses. The Kimball Fire Department will use its grant for new firefighter boots.

Officials with the fund say rural volunteer emergency response departments face significant challenges including fewer volunteer first responders, outdated personal protective equipment, increasing service requests, and rising equipment costs. “For first responders to give their best, they need to be equipped with the proper tools,” said Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial. “We recognize the challenges volunteer emergency response departments face with funding, and we hope these grants help give them the life-saving equipment necessary to effectively respond to critical situations.”

Starting in 2026, the program will expand as the Emergency First Responders Grant, with the maximum award increasing from $4,000 to $7,500.

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