Safety is a community effort — and everyone has a part to play. Across the communities we serve, volunteer firefighters are often the first to respond when emergencies strike. These dedicated individuals show up day or night, balancing their service with full-time jobs and family responsibilities. They remind us that at its heart, safety is about people stepping up for one another.

At Black Hills Energy, we’re proud to stand with the firefighters who protect our communities.

Giving back for safety

Each year, our Black Hills Corporation Foundation selects a focus area for our annual giving campaign. This year, our annual spotlight is Funds for Firefighters — a grant program supporting volunteer fire departments across our service territory. 

Our culture of giving

Since 2001, our Foundation has granted more than $8.3 million to over 500 organizations across the eight states we call home. 
Our giving pillars guide our efforts through:

• Thriving communities
• Conservation
• Future leaders

Funds for Firefighters

This year, we’re proud to contribute to thriving communities by supporting the volunteer firefighters who serve these communities. The Funds for Firefighters grants were available to any fire department in our service territory that is at least partially made up of volunteers. 

We awarded over $135,000 to fire departments in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. 

Purchases included a variety of equipment including:

• Protective gear: coats, boots, helmets and other safety equipment
• Specialized tools: high-pressure air lifting bags and hydraulic rescue tools (jaws of life)
• Infrastructure and essentials: new fire hall construction, radios, chainsaws, hoses, nozzles, hand tools and lighting equipment

Community impact

Small towns often rely on volunteer firefighters for more than just fighting fires. Many are trained EMTs or first responders who assist with medical emergencies, lead search and rescue operations and teach fire safety in schools and at public events. Some even provide child car seat checks to ensure proper installation.

They do a lot for the places they call home. 

We’re also proud that more than 250 of our Black Hills Energy employees serve as these volunteer firefighters.

Safety starts with people — and the courage to serve. Our volunteer firefighters embody that spirit every day, and we’re proud to stand beside them. At Black Hills Energy, we believe that when we invest in those who protect our communities, we’re building a stronger, safer future for everyone.

A shared commitment

We’re honored to give back to the volunteer firefighters in our communities. Together, we’re building safer, stronger and more resilient communities. 

Learn more about how we’re making a difference through community impact.