Minnesota Energy Resources is celebrating a memorable milestone in helping first responders keep everyone safe. The company is awarding $10,000 to public safety agencies across Minnesota as part of its 10th annual Rewarding Responders Grant program.
“We are honored to have helped the brave individuals keeping our communities safe, secure and welcoming through this program for the past 10 years,” said Nick Krzeminski, vice president — Minnesota Energy Resources. “From helping people in hazardous situations to providing critical medical care, these grants give first responders the invaluable tools they need to serve our communities.”
Decade of helping everyday heroes make a difference
The Rewarding Responders Grant program is part of Minnesota Energy Resources’ ongoing commitment to safety for its employees and communities. The grants help local police, fire and emergency medical services agencies receive critical equipment or training to improve public safety.
This year’s grant recipients include the La Crescent Fire & Rescue Department, which is using its grant to purchase a new automated external defibrillator (AED).
“We are so thrilled to assist the City of La Crescent and the fire department to deploy an AED at the Fire Station in the Community Building,” said Cheri Olson, chair of the city’s Heart Safe Committee. “The Community Building hosts our Senior Lunch Program as well as numerous community meetings. As a Heart Safe Committee, we are grateful to Minnesota Energy Resources for the funding of an AED for the community. La Crescent is taking steps to implement our Heart Safe Plan, and this grant is another important step to help achieve our Heart Safe Goals.”
Including this year’s grants, Minnesota Energy Resources has now awarded more than $100,000 through the program to help first responders in Minnesota strengthen public safety in their communities.
Grant recipients
The 2024 grant recipients include:
- City of Mountain Iron Fire Department — Automated testing system for gas detectors
- Kettle River Volunteer Fire Department — Pumper fire truck
- La Crescent Fire & Rescue Department — AED unit
- South Aitkin First Responders — Stop the Bleed training kit
- Tracy Fire Department — Cordless fan
Legacy of supporting public safety efforts
Minnesota Energy Resources offers its Rewarding Responders Grant program annually to enhance public safety in the communities it serves. Eligible emergency response agencies can apply for up to $2,000 in funding through the grant program.
Agencies may receive a grant if they:
- Operate in the Minnesota Energy Resources service area.
- Did not receive a grant during the previous year.
- Complete an online grant application.
- Demonstrate the equipment or training they will acquire is part of a well-planned effort to improve public safety. Grants also may be put toward unique, safety-related projects that are one-time efforts.