Grimes, Iowa – September 3, 2025 – September is National Preparedness Month, a time to spotlight the importance of readiness and resilience in our communities. In recognition, Black Hills Energy is proud to support local firefighters with $135,000 in safety grants through the Funds for Firefighters program, a 2025 giving initiative of the Black Hills Corp. Foundation.
The Funds for Firefighters program provided financial assistance to professional and volunteer fire departments within Black Hills Energy’s service territory to help them purchase essential equipment and supplies that enhance emergency response and public safety. More than 60 grants were awarded across 59 communities in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming.
“Safety starts with people — and the courage to serve,” said Kevin Jarosz, vice president of Iowa and Nebraska gas operations. “Our volunteer firefighters embody that spirit every day, and we’re proud to stand beside them. At Black Hills Energy, we believe that when we invest in those who protect our communities, we’re building a stronger, safer future for everyone.”
A total of $21,362.60 was distributed in Iowa, and included the following community partners:
- Ackley Fire Department: funds for breathing apparatus air packs
- Baxter Fire Department: funds for new rescue gear
- Chicasaw-Ionia: funds for gas monitors
- Dayton Fire Department: funds for thermal imaging cameras
- Dike Fire Department: funds for carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide meter
- Forest City Fire Department: funds for mobile SCBA bill station cabinet
- Gowrie Fire Department: funds for a combustible gas indicator tester
- Greene Fire Department: funds for gas monitoring upgrades
- Grundy Center Fire Department: funds for firefighting helmets
- Guttenberg Fire Department: funds for portable gas detector
- Harcourt Fire Department: funds for vehicle upgrades
- Joice Fire Department: funds for gas monitors, spanner wrenches, and gloves
- Lake Mills Fire Department: funds for radio upgrades
- Lehigh Fire Department: funds for fire gear
- Luana Fire Department: funds for brush fire skid unit
- Marble Rock Fire Department: funds for defibrillator replacement
- Ogden Fire Department: funds for intake valve on a new fire truck
- St. Ansgar Fire Department: funds for gas monitors and calibration equipment
- Stanhope Fire Department: funds for gear replacements
- Story City Fire Department: funds for Knox Box secure location for fire trucks
- Vincent Fire Department: funds for thermal imaging cameras
- Webster City Fire Department: funds for fire attack equipment updates
- West Union Fire Department: funds for new fire gear sets
Many volunteer departments also serve as Emergency Medical Technicians, lead search and rescue operations, teach fire safety in schools and conduct emergency preparedness drills. Some even offer child car seat safety checks for local families.
“At Black Hills Energy, our mission is to improve life with energy,” said Jarosz. “This includes creating a positive work environment that recognizes the contributions of our employee team. Our Funds for Firefighters program shines the spotlight on employees who go above and beyond and serve in these volunteer first responder roles. We are grateful for their service.”
Since its founding in 2001, the Black Hills Corporation Foundation has awarded more than $8.3 million to over 500 organizations across the eight states where Black Hills Energy operates. Guided by its core giving pillars — Thriving Communities, Conservation, and Future Leaders — the foundation continues to invest in the people and places that make these regions strong. To learn more about how Black Hills Energy is investing in the community, visit blackhillsenergy.com/community
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