At Glacial Lakes Energy (GLE), safety, community, and partnership aren’t just words — they’re how they operate.
And when something goes wrong, our local fire departments are the ones who show up first.
That’s why GLE launched their Fire Department Grant Program.
GLE reached out to more than 70 career and volunteer fire departments within roughly 50 miles of their production plants in Aberdeen, Huron, Mina, and Watertown and asked a simple question: What do you need?
Not a wish list. Not extras. The equipment that truly makes a difference when the call comes in.
Because of GLE’s close ties to agriculture and ethanol production, they encouraged departments to consider ag-related rescue and emergency situations. Most importantly, they asked them to focus on what would improve safety and preparedness for their teams and communities.
They Told Us. We Acted.
“We received 33 applications totaling more than $371,000. The requests were practical and important — grain bin rescue equipment, breathing gear, water storage tanks, rescue tools, PPE, radios, and fire hoses. We funded every project exactly as requested because when firefighters tell you what they need to protect lives, you listen and you act,” stated Mark J. Schmidt, GLE Chairman of the Board of Directors.
“We were pleased to award grants to the Huron Rural Fire Department, Woolsey Fire Department, and Cavour Fire Department and help support the important work their volunteers do to keep their communities safe,” added Schmidt.
John Miller, Chief of the Huron Rural Fire Department, expressed appreciation for the support from GLE. “We sincerely thank Glacial Lakes Energy for their generous grant. This support allows us to take our rescue capabilities to the next level — enhancing services such as confined space and hazardous materials response. It provides a stronger and more reliable service,” stated Miller.
Ray Meyer, Secretary of the Cavour Fire Department, stated they were in desperate need of rubber hose for their fire trucks as they had not purchased any since 2006. “Grants like this are what help keep our small department functioning smoothly when disaster strikes,” stated Meyer.
Why It Matters
Many of these departments operate with limited funding and rely heavily on volunteers. These are people who leave work, dinner tables, and their families behind to respond when emergencies happen.
The right equipment can change the outcome of a call. It improves response, increases safety, and helps protect both responders and the people counting on them. That matters to GLE.
Stronger Departments. Safer Communities.
This wasn’t about convenience. It was about having the right equipment when seconds matter and making sure the people we rely on have what they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. Better-equipped departments mean faster response, safer operations, and stronger communities.
GLE proudly supported the following fire departments: Aberdeen Rural, Alpena, Ashton, Bowdle, Brant, Bristol, Cavour, Clear Lake, Columbia, Doland, Faulkton, Florence, Garden City, Gary, Hayti, Hazel, Henry, Hosmer, Huron, Lake Norden, Letcher, Mellette, Miller, Northville, Redfield Rural, Roscoe, Toronto, Turton, Wallace, Watertown, Wessington, White, Wilmot, and Wolsey.
Leave a Reply