Betaseed, North America’s premier sugarbeet seed brand, announced the recipients of their new donation initiative, Opeartion HEAT (Honoring Emergency Action Teams), to support the volunteer firefighter cause in their sugarbeet growing communities. The pilot program for the donation was conducted in the American Crystal and Michigan Sugar regions.
The recipients, Reynolds Fire Department from American Crystal and Sherman Township Fire Department out of Michigan, will each receive a donation of $20,000 to purchase necessary equipment to continue lifesaving work in their communities. Reynolds Fire Department will use the donation to purchase auto extrication jaws of life. According to American Crystal Betaseed Independent Sales Agent, Tim Leshuk, “Reynolds finds themselves with several auto accidents that involve the use of the Jaws of Life.” Due to the small size of their community and limited resources, updating this equipment will mean a great deal for the organization’s efficiency and capacity for rescue calls.
In Michigan, the Sherman Township Fire Department will utilize their funds to purchase air lifting bags and stabilizing struts. Sherman Township Fire Chief, Phillip Weber, says these “updated rescue air bags [will] replace our old set that was new in the 80’s, making them much safer to operate.” Additionally, the stabilizing struts will be used to stabilize any overturned vehicles to keep them from shifting or tipping over during a patient extrication.
The Reynolds and Sherman Township Fire Departments were chosen after a nomination period by the Operation HEAT selection committee.
This donation will be conducted on an annual basis, rotating through the regions Betaseed serves. For more information, contact your local Betaseed Independent Sales Agent.