Roundup for Safety supports first responders’ radio requests

Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety board of directors awarded $23,747 in support of nine community life safety projects. Two of the grant requests were from volunteer first responder groups seeking assistance in maintaining radio communications. 

“The Marion Fire District radios have not been upgraded in over 10 years. Due to technology upgrades and network compliance issues, Marion Fire is falling behind in communications equipment,” said Jason Hill, who presented on behalf of the Marion Fire District. “This grant will allow the district to upgrade five radios to keep in line with the other agencies that we coordinate with, such as the Kalispell DNRC, U.S. Forest Service, and adjoining county districts. This would increase our effectiveness and timeliness for response.”  

Hill also noted the growing area’s 26% population increase as measured by the 2020 census. 

Shanoa Nutt set forth the West Valley Volunteer Fire & Rescue’s similar request for radio support.  

“The West Valley VFR currently has 15 handheld radios in service,” Nutt told the board. “Over time, these radios have become outdated, unreliable, and increasingly difficult to repair. Clear communication is essential to firefighters and community safety, yet several of our radios are no longer dependable in the field. Thanks to past fundraising and limited budget resources, WVFD has been able to replace 5 of the 15 radios with updated models. However, we still need assistance in replacing the remaining radios to ensure every responder has reliable communication equipment during emergencies.” 

The Board granted $6,444 of Marion Fire District’s $9,667 request and $7,432 of West Valley VFR’s $11,148 request. 

Community life safety grants were also awarded to Stillwater Christian School for safety window film in the amount of $2,000.  Fisher River Valley Fire Rescue Auxiliary received $4,000 for training mannequin, Steps of Justice received $1,500 for an AED, North Shore Nordic Club got $931 for safety signage and Friends of Historic Hotel Libby will buy fire extinguishers, smoke detectors with $700. 

Flathead Rivers Alliance received $300 for wilderness first aid training, and Writing Coaches of Montana will pay for background checks with $440. 

Roundup for Safety funding comes from participating Flathead Electric Cooperative members who allow their monthly electric bills to be rounded up to the nearest dollar. The program costs each member about $6 per year and has provided over $5 million in funding since 1997.