BNSF News

Ponder Volunteer Fire Department receives BNSF grant

2013-06-26

After five years of planning, the Ponder Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) in Ponder, Texas, has opened the doors of its new 9,600 square-foot fire station.

This would not have been possible without the aid of several organizations, including the BNSF Railway Foundation.

"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, and these grants affirm our commitment to these communities."

Assistant Chief Andrew Economedes of the PVFD 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," He said.

According to Economedes, the funds donated by BNSF were used to purchase a back-up generator for the station to keep the facility running during a power outage.

A non-profit facility staffed by volunteers, the PVFD provides 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 were 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.

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).

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