We ensure that first responders volunteering with the Marion Fire District in Flathead County, Montana have what they need to safely and effectively save lives and property.
The Auxiliary provides grants of cash and goods to the Marion Fire District to address needs that its taxpayer-funded budget cannot cover. The grants are channeled following programs:
- Equipment (for fire, rescue, and medical operations)
- Gear (e.g., firefighter turnouts and personal protective equipment for emergency medical responders)
- Training
- Facility (e.g., maintaining and upgrading fire stations)
- Food (ensuring volunteers are fed on long operations and training events)
Recent Grants
2023 = $86,251 (as of June 2023)
Included two Life-Pak monitor defibrillators, portable fire shelter, and Life Assist combicarriers
2022 = $16,761
Included firefighter turnouts. (Money raised for two Life-Pak monitor defibrillators were purchased in 2023 due to supply chain disruptions.)
2021 = $33,510
Included Jaws of Life extrication tools system and firefighter turnouts
2020 = $14,493
Included an Extractor (a special type of washing machine that removes carcinogens and blood-borne pathogens from firefighters turnouts), rope rescue equipment, & down payment on a Jaws of Life extrication tools system
2019 = $22,017
Included eight full sets of firefighter turnouts
2018 = $28,220
Included a building-size prop for fire operations training and a thermal imaging camera
2017 = $25,181
Included a compressor fill station for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) tanks
How We Get Money:
Our grants are funded by:
- Public contributions
- Annual raffle ticket sales
- Rental income generated by management of the Marion Community Room (which is attached to Marion’s main fire station)
- Special events (such as, auctions, flea markets, rubber duck races, craft shows, and bake sales)
Supporting Recruitment and Retention of Volunteer First Responders
In addition to fundraising, we use our special events to help the Marion Fire District recruit and retain volunteers. People in our community get the chance to connect with volunteers to encourage them. Hopefully some will be inspired to volunteer, too.