CORDELE — Recently, Crisp County Fire and Rescue was able to purchase some much needed equipment and supplies thanks to a grant applied for on their behalf by a local campground. The Cordele KOA recommended CCFR for the grant, in the amount of $10,000, which came from the Fireman’s Fund through the Heritage Program of Leavitt Recreation and Hospitality Insurance. The company, based in Sturgis, South Dakota, focuses on RV parks and campgrounds.
“We insure campgrounds and RV parks all over the country,” said “Jimmy Tumblin of Leavitt Insurance. “The Heritage program issues grants all over the country. Campground owners/managers can recommend their hometown departments to receive the grant.”
Norma Perkins, general manager of the Cordele KOA did just that while attending a KOA rally in Myrtle Beach.
“They had the applications there and I just decided to fill one out,” she said. “I know our departments do the best they can with their resources, but can always use extra funding. Thousands of applied for the grant and we got it.”
As part of the application process, Perkins was required to write why she felt her hometown department deserved to receive the grant. She was able to do that and list some of the needs of the department with the help of Chief Ray Lunsford.
“The department is very grateful to be awarded this grant,” said Chief Lunsford. “We were able to buy some much needed equipment and supplies such as; C-Collars, stethoscopes, blood pressure cups, oxygen tanks and other supplies. The grant also enabled us to purchase six Automated External Difibrillators, or AED’s.”
The check was presented to the Crisp County Fire and Rescue Tuesday afternoon. Tumblin, and Don Culpepper of the Fireman’s Fund, along with Perkins presented the check.
