Compeer Financial has awarded $605,998 through its Fund for Rural America to 160 volunteer emergency response departments across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The grants aim to help rural fire, rescue and ambulance teams upgrade critical equipment and technology to improve safety, efficiency and response times.
Rural volunteer departments face mounting challenges, including fewer volunteers, outdated personal protective equipment (PPE), rising service demands and increasing costs for essential gear. Many rely heavily on public funding, grants, donations and local support to maintain operations.
“For first responders to give their best, they need to be equipped with the proper tools,” said Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial. “We recognize the challenges volunteer emergency response departments face with funding, and we hope these grants help give them the life-saving equipment necessary to effectively respond to critical situations.”
Grant applications revealed six key equipment needs:
- Communication equipment: Upgraded radios, pagers and systems to address cell coverage gaps and ensure reliable coordination during emergencies.
- Safety and protective gear: New helmets, boots, gloves and turnout gear to meet safety standards and improve volunteer retention.
- Specialized rescue equipment: Tools like thermal imaging cameras, gas detectors, rescue struts and extrication devices tailored for rural rescue scenarios such as grain bin incidents and wildland fires.
- Medical equipment: Devices including automated CPR machines, vital signs monitors and CO2 detectors to enhance patient care amid long ambulance response times.
- Ventilation and lighting: Battery-powered fans and LED lighting to improve visibility and reduce smoke damage during operations.
- Training equipment: Updated mannequins and simulators to better prepare responders and community members for emergencies.
Since 2018, the Fund for Rural America has distributed nearly $5 million to support volunteer first responders across Compeer’s 144-county territory.
Looking ahead, the grant program will evolve in 2026 into the Emergency First Responders Grant, increasing the maximum award from $4,000 to $7,500. The new program will focus on both essential response equipment and responder life-safety needs, with applications opening April 15 and closing May 31, 2026.
This year, 53 departments in Illinois, 53 in Minnesota, and 54 in Wisconsin received grants. Examples of funded equipment include thermal imaging cameras, drones, gas monitors, rescue tools, turnout gear, radios, and medical devices.
These grants provide vital support to rural emergency teams, helping them continue protecting their communities despite growing challenges.
