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Sidney and Potter, NE] – The Sidney and Greater Area (SAGA) Fund is proud to announce a $5,000 grant awarded to the Potter Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department (PVFD) to help replace a vital air compressor used in the safety equipment of the department's firefighters. The compressor, originally manufactured in 1942, plays a critical role in filling air tanks for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), which provides clean air to firefighters during emergency response in hazardous environments.
The Potter Volunteer Fire Department, which has been serving Potter and surrounding areas since 1918 as Potter Fire Protection District #4, responds to over 150 calls each year, spanning more than 200 miles in the Western Nebraska Panhandle. This equipment upgrade is essential to ensuring the safety of their 35-member, all-volunteer force, which includes 28 firefighters and 7 EMTs, many of whom serve in both roles.
The fire department has already raised $10,000 through local fundraising efforts to meet the total cost of $39,168.94 for the new compressor. SAGA's $5,000 grant will help bridge the gap as the department continues its fundraising initiatives.
PVFD is a vital resource in the region, providing fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. As a member of the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association, which includes 14 departments, the PVFD plays a significant role in regional emergency response. The department is also committed to training the next generation of responders through its Youth Cadet Program, in partnership with Potter-Dix School, offering students the opportunity to earn school credits while training and responding to calls alongside seasoned mentors.
The new 10 HP compressor, provided by Nebraska-based FYR-TEK, will last an estimated 30 years and will ensure that PVFD remains fully equipped to respond to fires and hazardous material incidents efficiently and safely.
For more information on how to support the Potter Volunteer Fire Department's fundraising efforts, please contact Mark Onstott at [email protected] or 308.249.5921.
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