Peterson Announces Rural Emergency Responder Funding in Climax, Deer Creek and Sunburg

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Collin Peterson announced that the cities of Climax, Deer Creek and Sunburg have been awarded USDA Rural Development funds designed to help support rural communities' efforts to protect and serve their residents with essential public safety services.

“I applaud the efforts of these communities and especially their local emergency responders who volunteer their time to keep people safe,” Peterson said. “It’s difficult for many rural communities to purchase and maintain these vehicles and equipment, and this funding will go a long way to keep these essential services in place.”

City of Climax

The Climax Fire Department serves two towns and four townships with a total population of 243. The Climax Fire Department currently utilizes a 1977 van as its first responder unit, and this vehicle is no longer reliable. The City has approached Rural Development to purchase a used ambulance for $30,000. Once the vehicle is purchased, the Fire Department will once again have a reliable vehicle to serve its residents.

City of Deer Creek

The City of Deer Creek will purchase a used pumper fire truck at a total cost of $70,000. They are currently using a 27 year-old pumper truck which has outlived its useful life. The city provides fire fighting service to itself and portions of Compton , Inman, Leaf Lake , Oak Valley , and Deer Creek Townships. Rural Development is awarding a $20,000 grant and $20,000 loan.

City of Sunburg

The City of Sunburg has an outdated defibrillator unit in their ambulance. This project will allow the city to meet new defibrillator regulations so that they can stay in compliance with the ambulance service designation. Rural Development is awarding a $2,700 grant. The Rice Foundation funded the rest of the purchase with a $15,800 grant.

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