The Martin Township Rural Fire Department’s efforts to protect and serve residents in north Pope County, Ark., received a boost thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Arvest Foundation.
The gift was announced recently when Arvest Bank commercial banker Megan Chenowith presented a check on behalf of the Arvest Foundation to fire chief Michael Easter and firefighters Tommy Williams, Michael Standridge, Michael Mullins and Brandon Collins.
“We greatly appreciate the generous donation from the foundation,” Easter said. “Martin Township was hit by a tornado in March and we were able to use this donation to cover the cost of deductibles and items not fully covered by insurance, without taking away from our funds that are needed for operations. Without this donation, these costs would put a strain on our finances for the year.”
Specifically, the Arvest Foundation funds were used to replace a bay door at the fire station and replace the department truck’s windshield, as well as repair damage to its engine. The department serves Dover and other rural areas in north Pope County.
“We are pleased to present this donation on behalf of the Arvest Foundation,” Chenowith said. “This donation is one of many we have made throughout the area and demonstrates the foundation’s ongoing commitment to the overall safety of our local community.”