Minnesota Energy Resources awards $10,000 to help first responders purchase lifesaving equipment

(ABC 6 News) – Altura Fire department is one of five departments in Minnesota recently awarded a grant to help purchase lifesaving equipment.

The grant, thanks to Minnesota Energy Resources, goes to help the brave individuals who work to keep our communities safe every day.

This year, each department will receive a share of nearly $10,000 to purchase lifesaving equipment.

“Each year, this grant is a chance for us to say thank you to our first responders for their tireless efforts to keep our communities safe,” said Tom Rice, vice president — Minnesota Energy Resources. “We’re proud to support these everyday heroes by providing them the essential tools they need to continue to perform at the highest level.”

Since the Rewarding Responders Grant program began in 2015, Minnesota Energy Resources has awarded more than $76,000 to dozens of emergency response agencies.

This year’s recipients are

· Altura Fire Department — Firehose nozzles

· Canby Fire Department — Firehose testing equipment

· Cottage Grove Fire Department — Firehose nozzles

· Hinckley Fire Department — Traffic safety equipment

· Mora Area Fire Department — Gas detector

To receive a grant, police departments, fire departments or emergency medical service agencies must operate in the Minnesota Energy Resources service area, and must demonstrate the equipment or training they wish to purchase is part of a well-planned public safety initiative.