Hiram – Each year, the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program partners with local farmers to provide grants to local nonprofits. Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, this grant provides farmers with the opportunity to support worthy organizations in their communities by applying for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to the nonprofit of their choice. Since 2010, the Grow Communities program has given more than $29 million to nonprofits across rural America.
This year, Hiram farmer and firefighter Jason Groselle applied in order to direct the $2,500 to Hiram Firefighters Association in hopes of providing funding for safety equipment for the Hiram Fire Department, where he serves as Assistant Chief. The Hiram Firefighters Association, who received the grant this month, used the funds to purchase a grain rescue tube and updated firefighter hoods.
“We are thankful that Groselle Farms thought of the Hiram Firefighters Associaton for this award. It’s a big help for a small department like ours. It allows us to help improve safety for firefighters as well as those in our community,” Fire Chief Bill Byers explained.
“Farmers play a pivotal role in rural communities, and through their commitment to the Grow Communities program, we are able to provide the monetary support these nonprofit organizations need to make an impact,” said Al Mitchell, Monsanto Fund president. “We’re proud to play a part in helping these rural communities grow and thrive.”
This is the sixth time the HFD has received this award; the award was given three times on behalf of Groselle’s father, Jack, and once on behalf of Dale Bookover of Windswept Farms. This is the second time Jason Groselle has received the award through Groselle Farms. Each year they are received, the grants have been used to purchase extra equipment and safety gear, including thermo imaging cameras and turn out gear. This year’s grant was combined with a donation by Wellington Implement to purchase an adaptable grain entrapment rescue system used to free victims trapped in grain silos. HFD is one of the only departments in this part of the state to have this type of device.
In addition, the department also purchased 14 new hoods. These new items will provide firefighters with improved barrier protection against particulates, which is crucial considering the increased risk of cancer for firefighters. In fact, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported that firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer diagnoses and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general population in the US. Hoods like those purchased can provides up to 95% particle barrier efficiency.
Since the program began in 2010, the Grow Communities program has partnered with farmers to support nonprofit organizations in their local communities. Each year, farmers enter for a chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a worthy nonprofit. The organizations have included emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs, food banks and many others. All told, the program has given more than $29 million since its inception, including more than $3 million in 2018.
