The Community Builder grant applications in South Dakota will be used to address various, crucial needs of the fire departments, including purchase of new gear, construction and expansion. 

The ambulances are designated County Medic 1 and County Medic 2, according to Glassman’s transmission, a recording of which was placed on the county’s Facebook page.

County Medic 1 is the only one operational, giving the county time to gain experience with the new system, government spokesperson Cindy Mumby said. County leaders have said previously that the second ambulance will go into operation in July.

“We have a strong relationship with our local fire departments, so we are very pleased to help them stay well-equipped,” said Theron Lambert, director of operations at Georgia-Pacific’s Spartanburg Corrugated facility. “These grants show our gratitude for their selfless dedication.”  

The Bucket Brigade program awarded $188,400 in grants to departments this year for equipment critical to firefighters’ safety. Since the program began in 2006, Georgia-Pacific has given more than $2.2 million in cash and educational materials to 287 fire departments that serve the company’s facility communities across the country.

The city's apparatus are working without complaint but a majority have passed the 10-year standard for replacement, according to the fire chief. Getting started now means avoiding one big bill.  

First on the list of replacement will be two fire engines, which take firefighters and equipment to a scene, and a ladder truck, according to city officials.

The city will go to the bond market in February to borrow $1.25 million for the ladder truck and for another $1.1 million to renovate fire station. The city also will ask the general assembly for $1.6 million to buy the two engines, according to city officials.