Grant kicks off fire department fund-raising

By MIKE RICHESON

Bigfork Eagle

The Bigfork Fire Department is beginning its fund-raising campaign this week, and a $5,000 dollar grant got the efforts off to a good start.

Western States Insurance and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company awarded the grant to the Bigfork Fire Department to purchase new communications equipment to improve response capabilities to emergencies.

The county's 911 dispatcher currently pages the volunteer firefighters to notify them of an emergency, enabling an immediate response and quick on-scene arrival times. Fire Chief Chuck Harris said some of the department's pagers are old and in need of replacement. This will replace the older models and also ensure new members to the department receive pagers. The department is currently in the midst of recruiting new volunteers and needs to ensure each one is outfitted with the proper equipment when they join.

"It's essential we have the best communication tools to activate our volunteer firefighters at a moment's notice," said Chief Harris. "Every minute counts when it comes to fires and other emergencies and these new pagers will ensure a quick and reliable response."

"We can't think of a better way to support these volunteers who perform such an essential service in the community," Dan Purcell, Bigfork's Western States branch manager, said. "We hope this new equipment will be used for many years to come and ultimately make Bigfork a safer place."

The grant package is part of a nationwide program called Fireman's Fund Heritage, which is funded by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training and educational tools to local fire departments. Since 2004, Fireman's Fund has issued grants to hundreds of different departments totaling more than $13 million. Independent insurance agencies that sell Fireman's Fund products are able to direct these grants to support fire stations in their communities. Western States Insurance was instrumental in directing this specific grant to Bigfork.

The fire department will follow up the grant with a concentrated effort to raise funds for a new ladder truck and a fire training building. This Friday is the "Niner-Niner" golf tournament at Eagle Bend followed by the Brats, Burgers and Band event. Tickets are only $9 each and can be purchased at Flathead Bank, Glacier Bank, Eagle Bend Pro Shop or the Mitchell, Deaton office in Bigfork.

Friends of Bigfork Fire Department, a new non-profit organization, is hosting the event and asking for corporate, community and individual sponsors. Tax deductible donations can be made payable to Friends of Bigfork Fire Department and mailed to PO Box 2333, Bigfork, MT 59911, or written at the pro shop when signing up for the tournament.

An Honorary Membership program is also in place. Amy Rojo, wife of firefighter Tony Rojo, designed the program to allow anyone to become part of the fire department. There are four different levels of membership:

? Bronze - $250 to $499 includes a BVFD hat and shirt, tote bag, framed certificate, BVFD magnet and recognition on the department's Web site.

? Silver - $500 to $999 includes the Bronze member plus a framed firefighter photograph and a formal thanks at a BVFD meeting.

? Gold - $1000 to $1999 includes the Silver member plus an official firefighter plaque with shield and listing on the department's Web site for one year.

? Platinum - $2000 and up includes the Gold member plus an official firefighter helmet with shield.

Anyone interested may call Amy Rojo at 212-4039.