The Ripley County Community Foundation is excited to announce the Ripley County Fire Readiness & Resilience Grant Program, made possible through the leadership, vision, and financial commitment of the Ripley County Council. This program is providing a total of $100,000.00 in funding to strengthen the capacity of Ripley County’s ten volunteer fire departments through investments in firefighter safety, operational readiness, and critical emergency response equipment.
To date, five volunteer fire departments have each received grants of $10,000 to address equipment and safety needs. The program represents a countywide commitment to ensuring that volunteer firefighters have the resources needed to protect lives and property throughout the county.
“At the Ripley County Community Foundation, we often talk about the power of partnerships to create meaningful change,” said Amy Streator, Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation. “This grant program is a powerful example of what can happen when local government and community organizations work together toward a shared goal. We are deeply grateful to the Ripley County Council for recognizing the critical role our volunteer fire departments play in protecting our communities and for making this investment in public safety possible.”
The Fire Readiness & Resilience Grant program was created to support strategic investments in personal protective equipment (PPE), firefighter safety gear, operational equipment, and equipment necessary to maintain National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliance standards. Grants are available to each of Ripley County’s volunteer fire departments and are designed to address critical operational needs rather than elective upgrades.
First Round Grant Awards
- Friendship Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $10,000 to replace aging tires on three emergency response vehicles. This grant will help ensure that the firefighters are able to respond to mutual aid calls with neighboring departments while minimizing the risk of a catastrophic tire failure going to or coming from an emergency response.
- New Marion Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a $10,000 grant to purchase 18 NFPA compliant firefighting helmets and seven pairs of structural firefighting boots. These upgrades to the personal protection equipment of its volunteers will improve the department’s response capabilities during medical calls, vehicle accidents, and severe weather incidents.
- Osgood Volunteer Fire Department received $10,000 to purchase Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air cylinders. This investment ensures firefighters have reliable access to breathable air during extended incidents, enhances operational efficiency, and supports compliance with current safety standards.
- Versailles Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $10,000 to buy three sets of turnout gear to replace outdated equipment. The department, which responds to more than 600 emergency calls annually, will use the new turnout gear to improve firefighter protection and maintain compliance with safety standards.
- Sunman Rural Fire Department received $10,000 toward the purchase and installation of a remote-operated master stream apparatus on Engine 1118. This equipment will improve firefighter safety by eliminating the need for personnel to operate equipment from atop the truck during hazardous conditions while enhancing firefighting efficiency and response times.
While each grant was awarded to an individual department, the benefits extend far beyond a single community. Volunteer fire departments across Ripley County routinely provide mutual aid to one another during structure fires, major accidents, severe weather emergencies, and other large-scale incidents. When one department gains safer equipment, improved apparatus, or enhanced operational capabilities, every department in the county benefits. These investments strengthen the entire emergency response network, ensuring that communities throughout Ripley County receive faster, safer, and more effective emergency services when help is needed most.
“Volunteer firefighters answer the call at all hours, often balancing service to their communities with full-time jobs and family responsibilities,” added Brady Weserfeld, Ripley County Community Foundation.
“By investing in equipment that protects our firefighters and improves emergency response, the Ripley County Council has demonstrated a commitment to every resident of Ripley County.” commented Steve Mathes, Board Member of the Ripley County Community Foundation. “Their partnership with the Ripley County Community Foundation to award these funds ensures that our local departments are better prepared today and more resilient for the future.”
The Ripley County Community Foundation is currently reviewing an application from the Morris and Milan Volunteer Fire Departments and anticipates additional submissions from the Holton/Otter Creek, Delaware, and Napoleon Volunteer Fire Departments.
The Fire Readiness & Resilience Grant Program is just one more example of the Ripley County
Community Foundation’s mission of “Connecting People Who Care with Causes that Matter.” By bringing together local government, charitable resources, and community partners, the Ripley County Community Foundation helps create meaningful solutions to the challenges and opportunities facing Ripley County.
Community members who are interested in making an investment in their community, establishing a charitable fund, or learning more about the work of the Ripley County Community Foundation are encouraged to contact the Community Foundation at (812) 933-1098, email office@rccfonline.org or visit www.rccfonline.org. Together, we can continue building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Ripley County for future generations.
