Van Buren County farmers support Stockport Fire Department

STOCKPORT ? Community support is vital to the Stockport Volunteer Fire Department to help purchase necessary equipment for its volunteers to protect Stockport and the surrounding areas during fires and other emergencies. Local farmer Rick Niederhuth knows the importance of volunteer fire protection and chose the Stockport Fire Department when given the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit organization through America?s Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.

?I picked the fire department because it benefits the whole community,? Niederhuth said. ?It feels good knowing the money went toward the quick attack truck, especially because of how dry it?s been lately.?

With the $2,500 donation, the fire department was able to purchase equipment for their quick-attack rescue truck.

?We used the donation to repaint our quick-attack rescue truck and to install radio equipment and emergency lights,? said Fred Chapuis, Stockport Fire Department treasurer. ?We really appreciate the donation because it allowed us to put our new truck to good use.?

During Fire Prevention month in October, Stockport Fire Chief Ray Snyder reminds everyone to thank the local volunteers who strive to keep the community safe and to inspect homes for possible fire hazards by following these safety tips:

? Install a smoke alarm on every level of a home, and test it monthly.

? Prevent electrical fires by checking outlets and unplugging any unused appliances. Avoid overloading extension cords or circuits, and secure any loose electrical connections.

? Provide sufficient space around portable heaters, and inspect chimneys and fireplaces.

? Create an escape route, and practice it often. Make sure everyone knows what the safe meeting place will be outside the home in case of an emergency.

? Blow out all burning candles when leaving a room and never leave a child alone in a room where a candle is burning. Also, remember to keep lighters and matches in a locked cabinet out of a child?s reach.

For a rural community, $2,500 can go a long way to providing organizations such as the Stockport Volunteer Fire Department with the tools they need to keep their communities safe. Visit www.growcommunities.com to learn more about America?s Farmers Grow Communities. The program is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund to invest in farm communities in order to highlight the important contributions farmers make every day to society.

From now through Nov. 30, farmers can apply online at www.growcommunities.com or call 877-267-3332 to apply by phone.