FIFTY LAKES — The Fifty Lakes Fire Department was among 53 emergency response departments supporting rural communities across Minnesota to receive up to $4,000, for a total of $200,447, to fund equipment and technology upgrades.

The grant awarded to the Fifty Lakes Fire Department will be used to fund new coats, pants and boots.

Through its Fund for Rural America, Compeer Financial awarded a total of 160 Emergency Response Equipment Grants accounting for more than $600,000 to departments across Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The grants are intended to help volunteer fire, rescue and ambulance departments improve their operational efficiency, safety and response times.

Rural volunteer emergency response departments are struggling to service their communities due to fewer volunteer f

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