Community Involvement

Ponder Volunteer Fire Department Receives BNSF Grant

About the photo: Representatives from the Ponder Volunteer Fire Department accept their grant from BNSF's Mike Pagel. From left to right: Charlie Williams (Chief, PVFD), Andrew Economedes (Assistant Chief, PVFD), Mike Pagel (Marketing Manager, Marketing Support, BNSF), and Cole Spann (Firefighter, PVFD)

After five years of planning, the Ponder Volunteer Fire Department has opened the doors of its 9,600 square-foot new fire station. This would not have been possible without the aid of several organizations, including the BNSF Railway Foundation.

The Foundation has assisted non-profit and government organizations in areas along its rail lines since 1996 when the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroads merged to form what is now known as BNSF Railway.

"The BNSF Railway Foundation supports improvements in the quality of life in the communities where we operate," said Joseph Faust, regional director, Corporate Relations. "This is where our employees and their families live, work, and volunteer. It is through grants such as this that we affirm our commitment to these communities."

Assistant Chief Andrew Economedes of the Ponder VFD expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the building.

"We were extremely fortunate to have the support of our community and corporations such as BNSF. As a result, we were able to use our money to construct the station exactly as we needed it."

According to Economedes, the funds donated by BNSF have been used to purchase a back-up generator for the station to keep the facility running in the event of a power loss.

Working on a volunteer, non-profit basis, the Ponder VFD is dedicated to providing 24/7, emergency attention for those living within its 68-square-mile service area. The organization, established in 1937, has grown from two members and one truck to a roster of six trucks and 19 current members.

All facilities and equipment the organization owns has been purchased through fundraising efforts and donations.

"On behalf of the Ponder Volunteer Fire Department, I can't thank BNSF enough for their wonderful and generous grant award," Economedes said.