Kurt Anderson, LDC Safety Health Environment manager, left, holds a $30,000 check the company gave to the Claypool Fire Department,  with Claypool Fire Chief Rick Hurley. Gilberto Sifuentes, LDC Claypool plant manager, is shown on the right speaking about the partnership between the company and the local fire department. InkFreeNews photo by Deb Patterson.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreenews

CLAYPOOL — Claypool Fire Department works closely with Louis Dreyfus Company. Not only does the department respond to emergency calls, but they also work with the company on recommendations for safety. They were rewarded for their efforts.

Because of this partnership and a current need of the local fire department, Gilberto Sifuentes, LDC Claypool plant manager, presented a $30,000 check from the company to the fire department for use in the purchase of 15 new radios to coincide with the new communication projects in the county.

The presentation was made Thursday afternoon at LDC, as part of the company’s 15 years in the community and 170 years around the world.

Sifuentes noted a month ago, the fire department toured the facility. “It was an opportunity to share with the fire department our new installations, new capabilities but most important to receive from the fire department recommendations for safety assistance. We walked around all of the facility and received recommendations. We take recommendations seriously.”

It was during this visit, Sifuentes stated he learned of the new communications tower project “to use between the fire department with the community and departments around the area. We understand the investment is close to $4 million. That’s a big investment.” Sifuentes talked with company officials to see how the company could help.

He stated the number of times the department has been on the site helping to solve a situation “because things are happening. They have been great every time they are here. We work together. Most importantly we try to keep our team and their team safe.”

“We have the opportunity to share with the fire department, we were able to get support from the company, a check. We want to give the fire department $30,000 that will help toward the purchase of 15 radios. We know some of the various challenges for the department… Opportunity to support the fire department. We recognize their support to the community.” Sifuentes also recognized Todd Lincoln, a Claypool firefighter and LDC employee, who has been present trying to help the company with safety.

Claypool Fire Chief Rick Hurley noted the hours of training and classes firemen have to take each year, leaving their families. “It’s such a blessing,” he said about the donation. “It’s one less thing we have to worry about. It’s a blessing LDC stepped up. They are great to work with when we come here, they are right on the ball. We ask for one of them and they show us where to go… They are great with us.”

Also on hand was Carey Groninger, county commissioner and Kevin McSherry, president of the county fire association. Both men have worked hard to get the new communication tower project underway. McSherry noted this was not the first time LDC has helped the fire departments in the county. He noted three years ago the company gave $20,000 toward a quick fix with communication problems.

A few of the LDC workers and officials, along with government entity officials gather with members of the Claypool Fire Department for a check presentation. Representing the fire department are Todd Lincoln, shown in uniform; Rick Hurley, fire chief; Grant Reed, Logan Brown and Mark Johnson with the check. Kurt Anderson, S.H.E manager, is shown holding the right end of the check with Gilberto Sifuentes, plant manager, on the right.