Local businesses support new Protivin fire station

PROTIVIN - The hearts of the volunteers of the Protivin Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) burned a little brighter on Jan. 4 as they were presented $20,000 toward the construction of a new fire station they will call home. 

On that day, Farmers Mill of Protivin donated $10,000 and Bob Savre from First Citizens Bank of New Hampton, representing the First Citizens Charitable Foundation, also donated $10,000. 

In October 2021 the trustees and council members of the Protivin Community Fire District signed contracts with vendors to start construction on a new $700,000 fire station for the PVFD. Construction will begin in spring 2022, with completion by October 2022. The cost is only for the main construction and does not include needed fixtures such as gear racks, cabinets and appliances. 

The fire district consists of four voting entities, but serves parts of six townships and the City of Protivin. The district voting members include the trustees for New Oregon Township in Howard County, Utica Township in Chickasaw County, Sumner Township in Winneshiek County and the City of Protivin. 

Each of the four voting entities has pledged $100,000 towards the project, and the Protivin firefighters have pledged an additional $100,000. 

The firefighters and trustees have been busy working to raise the remaining $200,000 needed for the project. 

Since October they have written grants, visited with businesses, held fund-raising events and communicated with citizens in the fire district asking for support. 

In November, they applied for the grant from First Citizens Charitable Foundation, and that award was presented to the PVFD on Jan. 4, as well as the Farmers Mill matching gift. 

The fire department has established various donation levels, with the highest level of donation, Fire Chief, for those who donate $10,000 or more. When the station is complete, donors will be recognized at the appropriate level with largest donations at the top of the plaque. In addition to the two recent donations, other Fire Chief level donors so far are: Bill Ondrashek and Fencl Oil and LP, but there is still plenty of time for business or individuals to donate. 

Submitted by Martin Ahrndt