Black Hills Energy Supports Fire Departments With Over $135,000 In Safety Grants

THE O'NEILL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT received a check for $2,100 from Black Hills Energy as part of their 2025 Safety Grants.

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 and 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 and Rescue, funding for new gas detector

•Meadow Grove Volunteer Fire and Rescue, funding to replace outdated gas monitors

•O'Neill Volunteer Fire and 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 and 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 and Rescue, funding for wildland fire fighting 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

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