Ferron fire chief announces $45,000 donation to replace rescue tools

Ferron Fire Chief Randy Kenney told the Ferron City Council on May 13 that the department has received a $45,000 contribution from rPlus Energies and partner companies to replace its hydraulic pump system and extrication tools.

Chief Kenney said the department has been borrowing equipment from nearby Green River after a local tool failure and that the donation will allow Ferron to order modern, reliable extrication gear. "Thank you for the critical role the Ferron City Fire Department plays in protecting the Ferron Community and surrounding area," Kenney read from the letter accompanying the donation, which listed rPlus Energies, TSJ Construction, Bodec Electric, QE Solar, GHI, Alan Sterns and Sundt Renewables as contributors.

Kenney told the council the check from rPlus Energies was presented to Mayor Trent Jackson at the meeting and that the ordered tools are expected to arrive in roughly three weeks. He added that once Ferron replaces its failed equipment, the borrowed Green River units will be returned to assist Elmo, where a recent unit also failed.

The chief also raised concerns about private-fireworks use during Peach Days because of low water availability and said the department is adjusting burn activities and other operations due to the regional water shortage. The council heard the report and accepted the presentation; no formal council action was required to receive the donation.

The council packet referenced a written donation letter and the chief’s remarks; the presentation was recorded in the meeting minutes and acknowledged by Mayor Trent Jackson.