Pictured above, from left to right, (back row): Tiffani Fogelman, Nick Weisenbach, Jeremy Jacobson, Abby Jensen, Jake Gundvaldson; (front row): Chief Justin Appel accepting a check from Nick Abbas, Andy Hinrickson, and Amy Fischer.
The Worthing Community Fire Department (WCFD), a 100% volunteer-based organization, has been awarded a $1,850 grant from the Lennox Area Community Fund (LACF). Serving a 77-square-mile area in Lincoln County, the department consists of 25 dedicated volunteers from Worthing and the surrounding areas. The WCFD responds to a variety of emergencies, including structure and grass fires, medical emergencies, and car accidents. On average, the department receives 120 emergency calls annually, including incidents along the 12-mile stretch of Interstate 29 it covers, where both northbound and southbound lanes pose unique challenges.
With the rising number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the interstate, first responders face increasing safety concerns. Electric vehicles can move independently, which creates a potential hazard for both those involved in an accident and the emergency personnel on the scene. To address this issue, the WCFD applied for assistance from the LACF to purchase two electric vehicle plugs. These specialized tools, now funded by the LACF grant, are inserted into an EV’s charging port, causing the vehicle to simulate charging and preventing it from moving unexpectedly. This vital equipment will enhance safety for firefighters, ambulance staff, police officers, and patients during emergency responses.
The LACF awarded this grant as part of its 2024 funding cycle, which benefited eight local organizations, including the Worthing Fire Department. Other recipients include the Lennox Area Historical Society, Junior Achievement, Lennox Ambulance, Lennox Fire Department, Lennox Community Library, Lincoln County 4-H, and Love, Inc.
Since 2004, the LACF has supported the Lennox, Chancellor, and Worthing communities by providing financial backing to numerous nonprofit organizations. Through the generosity of its donors, the LACF continues to strengthen the local area by awarding grants to meaningful causes. Donations of any size help to increase the fund’s balance and allow the organization to continue its impactful work. To make a contribution or learn more about the LACF’s mission, visit lennoxareacommunityfund.org.
Every gift, large or small, helps to increase the fund balance and allows the LACF to continue to give grants to local organizations like the Worthing Fire Department.
Local organizations are reminded that the deadline for grant applications is at the beginning of August each year. Nonprofits in the Lennox, Chancellor, and Worthing areas are encouraged to apply for future funding opportunities.
Watch next week’s paper, which will feature more grant recipients from the LACF.