East Central Energy turned unspent budget dollars over to 26 volunteer fire departments across its 14-county service area in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Volunteer fire departments in the towns of Dairyland, Summit, Superior and Wascott were among the departments that each received $4,200 checks from the energy cooperative.
As in 2020, the pandemic canceled several of ECE’s plans, resulting in budgeted dollars not being spent.
“Last year, we donated year-end dollars to food programs,” said Lisa Parchar, East Central Energy vice president and chief financial officer. “This year, we want to help another group of everyday heroes by lessening their financial load. Putting on a heavy uniform and running toward a dangerous situation is the definition of bravery.