COTTAGE GROVE, WI (September 18, 2024)—ALCIVIA, a member-owned cooperative, has partnered with Land O’ Lakes and the CHS Foundation to donate $30,000 to the Ellsworth Fire Service Association and the Durand Fire Relief Association for the purchase of essential safety and communications equipment.
“Investing in our local fire departments and rescue agencies is an investment in the safety and well-being of our entire community,” says Rodney Balvitsch, Chief Operating Officer of ALCIVIA. “We are proud to support both the Ellsworth Fire Service Association and the Durand Fire Relief Association with this donation, knowing that it will provide critical resources for their lifesaving work.”
Ellsworth Fire Service Association Receives $24,000 for Grain Bin Rescue and Communication Equipment
The Ellsworth Fire Services Association received $24,000 for the purchase of a grain entrapment rescue system including a “Great Wall Of Rescue” system used to form a barrier around a patient who has become entrapped by grain, increasing the chances of survival. The donation also will fund the purchase of rescue augers and support the purchase of dual-band radio equipment to help improve communication with other local fire departments, including the Red Wing Fire Department, during mutual aid calls.
“This generous donation helps us purchase life-saving equipment that we need to have as a rural fire department,” says Chad Peterson, Chief of the Ellsworth Fire Services Association. “Grain bin rescues are some of the most challenging incidents we face, and having the right tools is critical. We’re thankful to our community partners for the support and commitment to the safety and well-being of our agricultural community.”
Durand Fire Relief Association Secures $6,000 for Thermal Imaging Technology
The Durand Fire Relief Association received $6,000 for the purchase of thermal imaging equipment and personal thermal devices. This donation will help equip the new ladder engine that is currently being built.
Thermal imaging equipment is an essential tool for detecting the source of a fire, ensuring that fire hot spots are extinguished. Thermal imaging equipment can also be used to help find lost persons during search and rescue efforts.
“We’re incredibly grateful to ALCIVIA, Land O’ Lakes and the CHS Foundation for this donation,” says Jamey King, Chief of the Durand Fire Relief Association. “Thermal imaging technology allows us to do our job better, safer and more efficiently so that we can help protect the community.”
Safety is one of ALCIVIA’s core values, and ALCIVIA works to provide a ‘Safety First’ culture across its entire organization. As part of that commitment, ALCIVIA works to help provide essential safety equipment to the communities it serves.
To learn more about ALCIVIA’s Commitment to Safety, visit www.ALCIVIA.com/Our-Legacy/Our-Commitment-To-Safety.
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About ALCIVIA
ALCIVIA is a leading, member-owned agricultural and energy cooperative driven by a passion for excellence and a future without boundaries. Located in Wisconsin and serving farm, business, and retail customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa, ALCIVIA’s engaged employees provide innovative, responsible solutions to help drive the immediate and long-term success of their customers, including competitive input financing, and best-in-class products and services in agronomy, animal nutrition, energy, and grain. Learn more about ALCIVIA at www.ALCIVIA.com.
About Land O’ Lakes, Inc.
Land O’Lakes, Inc., one of America’s premier agribusiness and food companies, is a member-owned cooperative with industry-leading operations that span the spectrum from agricultural production to consumer foods. With 2023 annual sales of $17 billion, Land O’Lakes is one of the nation’s largest cooperatives, ranking 213 on the Fortune 500. Building on a legacy of more than 100 years of operation, Land O’Lakes today operates some of the most respected brands in agribusiness and food production including Land O’Lakes Dairy Foods, Animal Nutrition, WinField United and Truterra. The company does business in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Land O’Lakes, Inc. corporate headquarters are located in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
About CHS Inc.
CHS Inc. creates connections to empower agriculture. As a leading global agribusiness and the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the United States, CHS serves customers in 65 countries and employs nearly 10,000 people worldwide. We provide critical crop inputs, market access and risk management services that help farmers feed the world. Our diversified agronomy, grains, foods and energy businesses recorded revenues of $45.6 billion in fiscal year 2023. We advance sustainability through our commitment to being stewards of the environment, building economic viability and strengthening community and employee well-being.