Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
5 bunker gear sets replaced this year
Hartley firefighters show off the department's new bunker gear that was purchased thanks to local donations and a grant from the O'Brien County Community Foundation. Pictured from left to right: Fauneil Olander, Elly Klein, Anton Klein, Stephen Embrey and James Reisdorfer.
Five Hartley firefighters are looking fresh thanks to a grant from the O'Brien County Community Foundation (OCCF).
The local department was able to purchase new bunker gear for a portion of the squad at a cost of $12,000. The OCCF grant covered $7,500 of the total, while the rest was paid for with funds from the annual pancake feed and other contributions.
"We're very appreciative to the community foundation and everyone who supports our pancake fundraiser every year," said Fire Chief Brad Meendering. "Without their generosity, we wouldn't be able to keep our gear up to date. Coats and pants are not cheap."
The fire department's bunker gear has a 10-year lifespan. The equipment is phased out on a schedule, and Meendering said the squad plans to replace five more sets in 2023.
The squad is also donning new headgear thanks to large contributions from Valero Renewables – Hartley, CFE and other local donors. In all, 25 helmets were replaced.
"We are extremely grateful for the support we receive from local businesses," Meendering said.
