Hiram – Hiram Township farmer Jack Groselle recently won the opportunity to direct a $2,500 donation from the Monsanto Fund to Hiram Fire Department Firefighters Association. The award was given through Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Grow Communities program. The purpose of which is to make a positive impact in farm communities by partnering with farmers across the country to support the causes that are important in their individual communities. “To have Mr. Groselle select us for this donation is huge,” shared Hiram Fire Chief Bill Byers.
Each year, farmers enter for a chance to win a $2,500 donation that they can direct to a local nonprofit organization in their local community. “Farmers have directed funds to more than 8,000 community organizations across rural America since Grow Communities began in 2010,” said Al Mitchell, Monsanto Fund president. “Farmers are truly committed to this program because they see the difference the donation makes in their community.”
Chief Byers continued, “We’re honored to accept this donation.” He noted that the Hiram Firefighters Association will use it to purchase two Scott Sight Air Pack masks. The masks have built in thermal imaging cameras that will provide the ability to locate victims and hidden fires much faster, greatly increasing firefighter safety.
“The purchase of these cutting edge masks would not have been possible without this award,” Chief Byers concluded. Statistics show that over 29,000 firefighters were injured on the job in the US in 2015; 68 firefighters lost their lives. These wireless thermal imaging masks will provide firefighters with better visibility in smoke-filled rooms, helping firefighters locate victims more quickly while keeping both hands free.
