Southeast Livingston County Ambulance Service, Illinois; St. Clair Fire Department, Minnesota; and Brownsville Fire Company, Wisconsin, each received a $2,500 gift from Compeer Home in recognition of their selfless service to others. The gifts are in honor of National Heroes Day, founded in the aftermath of the Aurora, Colo., theater shooting on July 20, 2012, to pay tribute to everyday heroes – from first responders to civilians who jump into action without regard to their own safety.
“We believe strong rural communities aren’t just about where you live, they’re about the people who support and protect them,” said Chad McGlothlen, director of lending at Compeer Home. “This giveaway is a way to honor the first responders who make it possible for our clients and neighbors to live safely in the places they love.”
Compeer Home, a division of Compeer Financial, launched the National Heroes Day Giveaway to champion the vital role volunteer departments play across rural America. Volunteer fire, rescue and ambulance departments are the backbone to keeping rural communities safe, yet they are often operating with limited resources. The three winners were drawn from 1,429 departments that were nominated across Compeer Home’s 144-county territory in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
“In rural communities, everyday heroes live alongside us – ready to answer a call for help at any hour, in any condition, sometimes in a family’s darkest times,” said Karen Schieler, manager of corporate giving at Compeer Financial. “Our volunteer first responders make rural communities a better and safer place to live. We are grateful to celebrate them, as they give of themselves in service to others. There are no bigger heroes than them.”
Southeast Livingston County Ambulance Service (SELCAS), IL
Based out of Fairbury, Ill., SELCAS was established in 1972 to provide Emergency 911 ambulance service for about 425 square miles across Livingston and McLean counties. With just over 50 crew members, SELCAS relies on the generosity of the community it serves through donations and fundraisers, as well as grants, to fund its operations.
St. Clair Fire Department, MN
Located in St. Clair, Minn., the St. Clair Fire Department is supported by 25 volunteer firefighters who provide fire protection, emergency medical and first responder services. In addition to serving the City of St. Clair, the department also covers portions of McPherson, Decoria, Mankato, Medo and LeRay townships.
Brownsville Fire Company, WI
The Brownsville Fire Company, Inc., has been serving the Brownsville, Wis., community since 1912. It is in the midst of raising funds to construct a new fire station that complies with current regulations and standards to ensure the safety of the department’s 34 first responders. The department currently provides fire protection, fire prevention and emergency medical services to the Village of Brownsville and the towns of Lomira, LeRoy and Byron.
In addition to the National Heroes Day Giveaway, Compeer supports rural first responders through the annual Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program, which opens for applications on Aug. 1.
