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Trump Administration Invests $138,400 in Fire and Protection Equipment in Rural South Dakota

Name
Tammi Schone
City
Lake Andes
Release Date

Project Will Improve Fire Protection Services for 2,438 Rural
South Dakota Residents

LAKE ANDES, S.D., Oct. 27, 2020After announcing this project earlier this year, USDA Rural Development State Director Julie Gross visited the Lake Andes-Ravinia Fire Protection District to congratulate them on their $138,400 USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Direct loan and grant to purchase vehicles and fire protection equipment and present them with a certificate.

“The focus of any fire department is to reduce deaths and injury due to fire related hazards. Having protective clothing as well as updated trucks and equipment is vital, which improves the efficiency and delivery of fire protection services,” said Julie Gross, South Dakota USDA Rural Development State Director. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural South Dakota in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Background

On July 29, 2020, USDA announced this project.  Through three USDA Rural Development Community Facilities loan and grant packages totaling $138,400, the District purchased a 1.5-ton grass rig with a 300-gallon tank, as well as a new chassis to replace the old rescue truck.  In addition to these two trucks, the District has purchased seven new sets of fire gear including boots, pants, vests, helmets, hoods, and an electric fan.

These investments will help the District fulfill their mission to prevent loss of life and property for 2,438 individuals in the District’s service area, which is comprised of five townships and the three municipalities of Lakes Andes, Ravinia and Pickstown. In addition to responding to calls for fire suppression, the fire district responds to medical emergencies, incidents involving hazardous materials, rescue calls, and motor vehicle or other accidents. Annually, the fire district presents fire prevention/safety tips to the elementary students at Andes Central School District as well as other local organizations.

Emergency management efficiency is important, and these upgrades will allow the volunteer fire department to have all of their equipment such as the Jaws of Life, saws, air chisels, air bags, rescue gear, emergency generator for on-scene lighting and power sources, and jacks stored in the rescue vehicle.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and
create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit
www.rd.usda.gov.

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