Spur’s Volunteer Fire Department last week received a $10,000 donation from South Plains Electric Cooperative (SPEC) and CoBank to help them build a new fire station.
This donation comes as the former auto dealership at the location of the city’s new firehouse is being demolished. A ceremonial check was presented June 23 at the future fire station site at 3rd St. and Burlington Avenue, with numerous officials and dignitaries on hand.
The Spur Volunteer Fire De-partment was in major need of a new fire station. With a building constructed in the early 1900s and long since out of date for modern firefighting equipment and technology, they needed a new base of operations.
Not only will the new firehouse help the department, but it will also boost Spur’s economic development. “Local individuals have already partnered to build the VFD a new building,” siad SPEC representatives, “and South Plains Electric and CoBank are honored to help.”
South Plains Electric Cooperative’s goal is to provide safe and reliable electricity at the lowest-possible cost. The Cooperative gives back to many charities and organizations in the local communities they serve.
CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries throughout rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. As a cooperative, CoBank is also committed to supporting the communities it serves and regularly partners with its customers to invest in worthwhile charitable causes.
“South Plains Electric Cooperative was happy to partner with CoBank once again, and together, help make a difference locally,” said general manager Dale Ancell. “Our goal is to improve the quality of life in our communities, and that goes beyond just providing electricity. We know what an asset the VFD is in the community of Spur; we are even honored to have several employees volunteer their time to the VFD. So, when we heard they had a need, we knew we wanted to help.”
Wess Abbott, Spur’s fire chief since 2021 and a longtime member of the volunteer company, said, “South Plains Electric Cooperative and CoBank have done it again! These two organizations have repeatedly shown what it means to give back to their local communities and emergency services in need.
“All aspects of firefighting are expensive. Fire apparatuses, rescue equipment, personal protective equipment, and the facilities that house all that equipment is just too expensive for volunteer firefighters to be able to raise money for with small fundraisers. Volunteer fire departments would have severe challenges if it were not for the support of local businesses, grants and private donors.
South Plains Electric Cooperative and CoBank understand the importance of taking care of the people they serve and rural communities. South Plains Electric Cooperative is the one who initiated the grant writing process through the fund that CoBank offers. All of us on the Spur VFD were shocked to hear of the donations and are truly grateful. This new fire station is a godsend and will be something this community can be proud of for generations to come.”
South Plains Electric Cooperative’s donation was matched by CoBank through its Sharing Success program. Sharing Success was established in 2012 to celebrate the International Year of the Cooperative. Since the program’s inception, CoBank and its customers have together provided more than $66 million in support to charitable organizations across the nation.
“CoBank is proud to partner with customers like South Plains Electric Cooperative through our Sharing Success program,” said Dean Church, vice president of CoBank. “Through this contribution, South Plains is making an investment in the future growth and vitality of this community and CoBank is delighted to join them in this important effort.”
South Plains Electric Cooperative and CoBank have done it again! These two organizations have repeatedly shown what it means to give back to their local communities and emergency services in need. —Fire chief Wess Abbott, Spur VFD
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
