Waitsburg — Columbia-Walla Walla County Fire District # 2 received a Local Heroes Grant of $10,000 from the Gesa Community Foundation. The CWWFD #2 purchase new radios for the department with the funds. The radios will be used to outfit new volunteers and replace existing aging radios.

“Gesa is honored to support the Local Heroes in our community whose selfless dedication and unwavering commitment betters the lives of those across Washington,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “We are inspired by the remarkable efforts of CWWFD # 2 that continue to make a positive and lasting impact, and we’re thrilled to honor their work with our Local Heroes Grant award today.”

Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program awards grants to organizations, including firefighters, healthcare workers, law enforcement, teachers, and veterans. This year, the program recognized 42 local organizations. Since launched in 2021, it has awarded over $1,000,000 to 108 organizations across the state.

“As the demands increase in almost every fire jurisdiction across the country, our service area’s demands grow as well,” said Matt Spring, Captain/Commissioner CWWFD#2. “We continue to find new and additional ways to fund and support the members of our department. Purchasing new radios with this grant money will outfit several members with on-scene communications, increasing their safety and effectiveness during incidents. Our number one goal is service to the community and safety of our volunteers. We as a department thank GESA for supporting our mission of protecting the community.”