Fire Department receives $2,000 grant to go towards new equipment.

Today, Chief Doug DenBleyker received a check from Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The $2,000 will be applied to equipment purchasing for the new truck set to arrive this year.

Above, the chief receives a check from Tom Hobson from Marathon. The funds were applied for in late 2024 and awarded earlier this year as part of Marathon’s Community Investment Program.

The fire department became aware of this program last December when Don Karn, the regional Marathon Pipeline Operations Technician and Public Relations Specialist, came to a training session at the fire station. He reviewed underground pipeline dangers and concerns. He also gave the crews guidance on dealing with a high pressure rupture of an underground gas line, similar to the incident that occurred last week outside Fennville.

When Don was finished with his presentation, he asked if there was anything we needed. He told us about the grant program and where to apply. We greatly appreciate the generosity of Marathon and their support of public safety.