Simmons Foods presented a donation of $50,000 to the Southwest City Missouri Fire Department to assist in the purchase of new safety equipment for firefighters.
Simmons recently learned the Southwest City Fire Department, which operates with a team of volunteer firefighters, had a need for new equipment to enhance their ability to carry out their life-saving work.
"We're thankful to have a company like Simmons Foods that wants to be involved in supporting our community. As a small town, there are many competing needs for our limited funding. This donation will help us meet a critical need for our Fire Department. Thank you and God Bless the people of Simmons," said Southwest City Mayor David Blake.
Some of the equipment needs included new bunker gear, new extraction equipment (Jaws of Life) and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs). Their existing equipment was over 20 years old. Earlier this year, Southwest City officials applied for and received approval for a grant to provide about half of the funds needed to purchase this safety gear.
“As a member of the Southwest City community, with 1,400 team members working at our plant just down the road, Simmons is grateful for the commitment of this dedicated group of firefighters. We are proud to be able to play a small role in supporting the community and these firefighters by providing funds for new tools and safety equipment that will assist in their emergency response efforts,” said Todd Simmons, CEO of Simmons Foods.
