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 Funds for Firefighters safety grants, a 2025 giving initiative of the Black Hills Corporation 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.
From Clay County, the Edgar Volunteer Fire Department and Glenvil Rural Fire District were awarded funds toward new thermal imaging cameras.
Glenvil members, from left: Stephanie King (BHE), Volunteer Jessica Steiner, Volunteer Zach Steiner, Volunteer Kevin Sherman, Jeff Keeler (BHE), Volunteer Troy Scarrow, Volunteer Colby Jensen, Volunteer Mollie Jensen, Volunteer Matt Whitten, and Volunteer Adam Ochsner. COURTESY PHOTO | CLAY COUNTY NEWS
“Safety starts with people—and the courage to serve,” Kevin Jarosz, vice president of Iowa and Nebraska gas operations, said. “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.”
BHE team members and firefighters Chris Tripe (Edgar) and Jeff Keeler (Glenvil) noted that thermal cameras are essential tools that allow firefighters to see through smoke, darkness, and certain obstacles to locate individuals or other firefighters.
The cameras can also identify hot spots in a fire, as well as help firefighters navigate through dangerous environments more effectively and efficiently.
The need for thermal cameras is growing as people remodel older houses or add on. If there are fires in those older homes, thermal cameras can help pinpoint hot spots quicker, resulting in less property damage.
Investing in these cameras helps to enhance firefighters capabilities and ensure the safety of both their personnel and the community (communities) they serve.
Many volunteer firefighters also serve as Emergency Medical Technicians, lead search and rescue operations, teach fire safety in schools, and conduct emergency preparedness drills.
“At Black Hills Energy, our mission is to improve life with energy,” Jarosz said. “This includes creating a positive work environment that recognizes the contributions of our employee team. In addition to recognizing the wonderful partnership Black Hills Energy has with our local fire departments, our Funds for Firefighters program also shines the spotlight on our own employees who go above and beyond, also serving in volunteer firefighter roles. We are grateful for their service.”
