In appreciation of the crucial services that rural fire departments provide for the safety of the communities of eastern Oregon, The OTEC Member Foundation was proud to donate $1,500 to the Powder River Rural Fire Protection District (PRRFPD) to help support its efforts to build a new helipad.
The OTEC Member Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, oversees Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative’s (OTEC) charitable programs supporting OTEC members, families and communities in Baker, Grant, Harney, and Union counties.
“OTEC and the OTEC Member Foundation place a high value on strengthening our partnerships with rural fire departments and districts across our service territory. Especially as we enter wildfire season, it is critical that we partner with them to help increase resources for responding to emergencies and help one another protect the communities we call home.” said Lea Hoover, OTEC’s Director of Member and Strategic Services who is also the Executive Director of the Foundation.
The money donated comes from The Foundation’s Member-to-Member Bill Round Up Program, where OTEC member-owners can round their monthly energy bill up to the nearest dollar. It is a voluntary program run by OTEC and has no effect on OTEC’s rates. OTEC members who sign up for the program donate an average of $12 a year or can elect to donate a one-time specified amount.
The Powder River Rural Fire Protection District is working on building a new helipad for LifeFlight and firefighting resources. PRRFPD is an all-volunteer fire and EMS provider for the residents and visitors to the Sumpter area.
“On behalf of our volunteers, thank you to OTEC, and all of you the members that round up!” said Wes Morgan, Chief of the PRRFPD. “This donation, along with a safety grant from Special Districts of Oregon, and donated labor from volunteers, will add another tool to serve our area for firefighting and emergency responses.”
The OTEC Member Foundation plans to continue using funds from the Member-to-Member Bill Round Up Program to donate to rural fire departments and other local responders in the future. If you would like to sign up for Member-to-Member Bill Round Up, please call OTEC at 541-523-3616.
