Black Hills Energy Supports Local Fire Departments with Over $135,000 in Funds for Firefighters Safety Grants
Kearney, Nebraska – September 2, 2025 - September is National Preparedness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of readiness and resilience in our communities. In recognition, Black Hills Energy is proud to support local firefighters with $135,000 in Funds for Firefighters safety grants, a 2025 giving initiative of the Black Hills Corporation Foundation.
The Funds for Firefighters program provided financial assistance to professional and volunteer fire departments within Black Hills Energy’s service territory to help them purchase essential equipment and supplies that enhance emergency response and public safety. More than 60 grants were awarded across 59 communities in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.
“Safety starts with people — and the courage to serve,” said Kevin Jarosz, vice president of Iowa and Nebraska gas operations. “Our volunteer firefighters embody that spirit every day, and we’re proud to stand beside them. At Black Hills Energy, we believe that when we invest in those who protect our communities, we’re building a stronger, safer future for everyone.”
A total of $30,500 was distributed in Nebraska, and included the following community partners:
Ainsworth Volunteer Fire Department, funds to outfit new fire trucks with equipment
Amherst Volunteer Fire Department, funding for new SCBA packs
Ansley Fire & Rescue, funding to replace worn grass rig nozzles
Ashland Volunteer Fire Department, funding for gas detection equipment
Battle Creek Volunteer Fire Department, funding for updated PPE
Chadron Volunteer Fire Department, funding for new chain saws
Chappell Volunteer Fire Department, funding for new thermal imaging camera
Edgar Volunteer Fire Department, funding for new thermal imaging camera
Glenvil Rural Fire District, funding for new thermal imaging camera
Humphrey Fire & Rescue, funding for new gas detector
Meadow Grove Volunteer Fire & Rescue, funding to replace outdated gas monitors
O’Neill Volunteer Fire & Rescue, funding to replace SCBA cylinders and air packs
Ord Volunteer Fire Department, funding toward new grass rig
Pleasanton Volunteer Fire Department, funding for bunker gear
Randolph Volunteer Fire Department, funding toward 12 new Scott SCBAs
Ravenna Fire & Rescue, funding for portable air quality monitors
Schuyler Volunteer Fire Department, funding toward Fire Department Memorial Garden
Scottsbluff Rural Fire Protection District, funding for safety vests
St. Edward Volunteer Fire Department, funding to update air quality monitor equipment
Wood River Fire & Rescue, funding for wildland firefighting hose packs
Many volunteer firefighters also serve as Emergency Medical Technicians, lead search and rescue operations, teach fire safety in schools, and conduct emergency preparedness drills.
“At Black Hills Energy, our mission is to improve life with energy,” said Jarosz. “This includes creating a positive work environment that recognizes the contributions of our employee team. In addition to recognizing the wonderful partnership Black Hills Energy has with our local fire departments, our Funds for Firefighters program also shines the spotlight on our own employees who go above and beyond also serving in volunteer firefighter roles. We are grateful for their service.”
Since its founding in 2001, the Black Hills Corporation Foundation has awarded more than $8.3 million to over 500 organizations across the eight states where Black Hills Energy operates. Guided by its core giving pillars — Thriving Communities, Conservation, and Future Leaders — the foundation continues to invest in the people and places that make these regions strong. To learn more about how Black Hills Energy is investing in the community, visit blackhillsenergy.com/community