Minot, N.D. – SRT presented a check for $2500 to Upham Fire Supporters, Inc. toward purchasing new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) for Upham Fire Protection District’s volunteer first responders.
The SCBAs are critical equipment for protecting volunteers responding to fires or hazmat emergencies. Upham Fire Protection District volunteers described a recent response to a house fire that was “solid smoke” and required entering through the roof and attic, which they could not have done without SCBAs.
Cheston Erdman, Fire Chief for Upham Fire Protection District, indicated that their previous SCBAs reached end-of-life and were no longer viable safety equipment. Each new SCBA setup includes a carbon fiber tank, face piece, harness, and thermal imager for added safety.
“We appreciate SRT’s donation to ensure the safety of our volunteers,” said Kolena Drader, Board Secretary of Upham Fire Supporters, Inc.
Upham Fire Supporters, Inc. is a charitable organization established to support Upham Fire Protection District through financial, educational, safety, and community programs.
Upham Fire Protection District serves more than 260 square miles and seven townships – including the nearby 59,000-acre J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge – with roughly 20 volunteer first responders.
Stanley Vangsness, SRT Board President, said about the donation, “SRT proudly supports first responders in our communities. We appreciate the dedication of Upham Fire Supporters, Inc. and Upham Fire Protection District and were honored to help them acquire new equipment.”
SRT Communications, headquartered in Minot, North Dakota, is the state’s largest telecommunications cooperative and a multi-gig internet provider. Established in 1951, SRT employs roughly 180 people and serves more than 25,000 customers across north-central North Dakota. SRT has a 100% fiber optic broadband network. Services include high-speed internet, phone, and security and surveillance systems for home and business. Learn more at www.srt.com.
