(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department received a check totaling $5,000 from Dean Foods today to go towards the purchase of additional hazard material equipment suits and air tanks. Five years ago, the Le Mars Fire and Rescue became Dean Foods Hazard Materials first response team. At that time, Dean Foods presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to help establish a Hazard Materials unit for the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department. Another check of $5,000 was given to the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department a year ago to help the fire brigade obtain equipment needed for confined space rescues. Dean Foods dissolved their own response groups but agreed to continue to fund the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department to handle such types of emergency calls for their company, as well as for the entire community. The local milk processing company gave the local fire and rescue department the donations to help equip the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department with Hazard Materials gear. Mayor Dick Kirchoff was on hand for today’s check presentation and thanked the representatives from Dean Foods for their contribution and support.
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Pat Henrich serves as the safety director for the Dean Foods plant located in Le Mars. He says it is in the best interests of Dean’s to support the local fire and rescue department.
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The Dean Foods representatives said they hope to conduct another simulated emergency training session for their employees sometime later this summer or early autumn, which will again be requesting the services of the Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department.
Standing left to right: Loren Johnson, and Pat Henrich of Dean Foods presenting a check to Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper. Mayor Dick Kirchoff and Le Mars Fire and Rescue Assistant Fire Chief Mike Wise were on hand for the presentation.
