Lake Viking Fire Department receives check from MDC

Chief Larry Hillman accepted a check on behalf of the Lake Viking Fire Department in the amount of $3,000 from Rick Falconer of the Forestry Division of the Missouri Department of Conservation on Tuesday, Aug. 8.

The funds will be used for a slide-in fire fighting unit to help control wildfires. During July and August, 197 rural fire departments received matching funds grant checks of up to $3,000 to help them with the purchase of personal protective gear, and fire fighting equipment. The total funding for fire department matching grants for wildland fire as well as structure fires is $386,876. Fire departments are required to match these funds which are provided by the US Forest Service and the Missouri Department of Conservation. During the last 24 years, nearly $4,387,000 has been distributed to rural fire departments.