Pictured are, left to right: Jennifer Sprecher, Farm Credit Services of America, Rod Clarembeau, Letcher Fire Department Chief, Brandon Manchester, Letcher Fire Department President and Darin Amick, Letcher Fire Department Vice President.

Letcher –  Letcher Volunteer Fire Department received a $2,000 Working Here Fund grant to support the purchase of equipment needs, including a new frame tank replacement liner and hoses. The grant is provided through Farm Credit Services of America’s (FCSAmerica) Working Here Fund.
The Letcher Volunteer Fire Department’s need for new hoses and tanks stems from the need for an accessible water supply in rural areas where water access may be limited. Rural structures require special accommodations and the ability to help save farm and grasslands is essential in South Dakota.
“The department’s effort to replace new equipment is based on necessary community needs,” said Darin Amick, Letcher Fire Department. “We plan to make the purchases as soon as possible to ensure the highest level of protection for our rural community.”
Local personnel will be properly trained and provided the opportunity to refresh fire and rescue procedures when the equipment is installed and ready to be put into service.
“We are happy to help Letcher reach their goal of having the necessary equipment for rural areas in case of fire,” said Wes Chambers, vice president, FCSAmerica, Mitchell. “It is a worthwhile effort.”
The Letcher Fire Department is one of 53 organizations to receive an FCSAmerica Working Here Fund grant. FCSAmerica awarded $76,600 in grant funds during the latest grant cycle ending Sept. 30, including $12,750 for community projects in South Dakota.
The Working Here Fund provides up to $2,000 each for projects and organizations that make a positive, long-term impact in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota or Wyoming in the areas of hunger and nutrition, agriculture education and young and beginning producers. Grants are determined quarterly based on specific selection criteria.
To complete an application, visit www.fcsamerica.com/workingherefund.