Van Buren Township Volunteer Fire Department receives grant

Taking a few minutes to fill out a grant application in hopes of helping a nonprofit organization was rewarded on Saturday.

Jean Ann Fox, of Pulaski County, nominated the Van Buren Township Volunteer Fire Department because she wanted to thank them for their countless hours of service.

“These brave men are community members that volunteer their time and spend hours in training to fight fires and be able to give emergency medical services when needed,” Fox said. “They are committed to saving lives. They are very deserving of this award.”

Fox’s application was selected as a winner in America’s Farmers Grow Communities that is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. The program enrolls farmers for a chance to win $2,500 that is then donated to the farmers’ nonprofit of choice.

Pulaski County native Adam Deitrich, district sales manager with Channel Seed, said he was quite proud to present Van Buren Township Volunteer Fire Department with the grant funding.

“I come from a long line of firefighters in Cass County, so I know how much hard work you guys put in that is easily overlooked and underappreciated,” Deitrich said. “So from me to you — thank you.”

America’s Farmers Grow Communities launched in 2010 and includes 1,324 counties in 40 states.

Kevin Russell, district sales manager with DeKalb Asgrow, said since the program has started $1.4 million has been given.

“I love when it’s going to a fire department because I know it will be put to good use,” Russell said of the grant funding.

He thanked the firefighters for their time and service and Fox for applying for the grant.

The money will be used to purchase new bunker gear for the firefighters.