Pictured front row, l-r: Reuel Leveridge, Wayne; Kraig Edelman, Purcell; Tanner Roberson, Lindsay; Cody Yates, Paoli; John Williams, Alex; Robbie Nestlerode, Katie; John Terry, Cox City; and Tyler Stewart, Naples. Middle row: Kole Gensamer, Bray; Earl Henderson, Doyle; Brad England, Dibble; Josh Spencer, Washington; Kevin Gorden, Rush Creek; Logan Zimmerman, Acme; and Chris Mallow, Wynnewood. Back row: Brian Bearce, Bradley; Austin Unruh, Ninnekah; Braden Nightingale, Farewell; Rep. Cindy Roe; Will McLin, Elmore City; James Anderson, Pernell; Jeremy Caldwell, Maysville; and Dayton O'Neal, Bailey.
Rural Electric Cooperative recently recognized the rural fire departments operating in its service area with grants to assist with purchasing equipment and supplies.
REC’s service area includes 24 rural fire departments with over 360 men and women volunteering their time to help protect their families, neighbors and friends.
“Not only do these individuals fight fires, but they also help construct buildings to house equipment, perform maintenance and work fundraisers to have the necessary money to purchase fuel and equipment to protect homes and properties in their area.
These services survive because of the dedication of volunteer firefighters,” the electric provider said in a press release.
For 36 years, REC has hosted a banquet for firefighters in its service area to recognize their efforts in protecting lives and property. This year representatives from22 fire departments attended the banquet, and REC presented each department with a check to assist in purchasing equipment and supplies. REC’s grant program awarded $18,350 to the area departments bringing the program’s total donated funds to $488,900.
“It is important to support our local rural fire departments as they are first responders protecting our lives, businesses and property,” CEO, Dusty Ricks said. “REC’s grant program is designed to assist these departments in being better equipped to handle fires in our rural areas.
The service rural fire departments provide is invaluable and we cannot thank them enough for the work they do every day.”
Departments receiving grants include: Acme, Alex, Bailey, Bradley, Bray, Cox City, Dibble, Doyle, Elmore City, Farwell, Katie, Lindsay, Maysville, Naples, Ninnekah, Paoli, Payne, Pernell, Purcell, Rush Creek, Rush Springs, Washington, Wayne and Wynnewood.
Collectively, the 24 departments have 367 firefighters trained to fight wildfires as well as structure fires. During 2024, the departments went on 3,281 runs.
