Jamestown – The Jamestown Community Foundation has recently awarded a $5,000 grant to the Jamestown Rural Fire Department for assistance with the purchase of a new pumper truck, to replace the 36 year old vehicle that has been in use since 1987.  The new one will more than double the capabilities of the retiring truck, and will seat 6 firefighters plus will carry 2300 gallons of water.  It has been designed to be able to respond to the larger commercial and industrial facilities that are now located within the district. The local rural fire department is responsible for raising the 20% down payment  of $157,300 on the truck, and will pay back the remainder which has been funded through a USDA loan at 0% interest over the next ten years.  

The Jamestown Rural Fire District consists of 22 townships in Stutsman County and there are 20 district board members that represent these townships, acting as the governing body of the organization.  The Rural Fire District is funded through taxes collected through mill levy.  It is restricted by the ND Century Code regarding how many mills it can receive, which requires the organization to rely heavily on fund-raising/grant efforts for large projects such as this one.   It is a volunteer fire department that serves 828 square miles in Stutsman County, serving a population of approximately 4,500 residents.  They respond to all manner of emergencies, fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials and inspections services.

The Jamestown Community Foundation can be reached for information about the organization or its grant applications/guidelines by going on-line to www.jamestowncommunityfoundation.com or by contacting Barb Lang at 701-320-4570.  Donations to the Foundation can be mailed to the JCF at P.O. Box 2004, Jamestown, ND 58402.