The Bremer County Firefighters Association has established the Bremer County Firefighters Association Special Project Fund, a special project fund held with the Bremer County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. The fund will support the purchase of critical equipment and resources to strengthen emergency response efforts across Bremer County.

This fund will benefit all fire departments in the county, ensuring residents, especially those in rural and agricultural areas, have access to life-saving tools when emergencies occur. In a largely rural county like Bremer County, access to specialized rescue equipment is essential for protecting both residents and first responders, particularly during high-risk times like harvest season.

Funds raised will support the purchase and fabrication of a trailer-mounted emergency response grain vac, along with additional equipment including GSI rescue tubes, a grain rescue auger, brushless drills, scene lighting, and scoop shovels. These tools are vital in responding to agricultural emergencies, including grain entrapment situations where rapid response can mean the difference between life and death. Organizers hope to raise enough funds to have the equipment purchased and ready for use by the 2026 harvest season.

“Having access to this kind of life-saving equipment can make all the difference in an emergency,” said Aaron Goodenbour, Coordinator with Bremer County Emergency Management. “In agricultural incidents, especially grain entrapments, time is critical. This fund will help ensure our first responders are equipped with the tools they need to act quickly and safely, ultimately saving lives and protecting our farming community.”

Financial gifts of cash/check and stock are accepted through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, IA 50613. Checks to the fund should be made payable to the Bremer County Firefighters Association Special Project Fund. Gifts can also be made on the Community Foundation’s secure website at https://www.cfneia.org/donations/bremer-county-firefighters-association-special-project-fund/.

Donors to the fund may take advantage of normal federal deductions for charitable gifts.

Questions about giving to the fund may be directed to Paula Hill, Charitable Advisor with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, at 319-243-1352 or phill@cfneia.org.

Information about the Bremer County Community Foundation can be found on its website, www.bremerccf.org.