SALINE COUNTY, IL – The Equality Fire Department has recently benefitted from the generosity of the Equality-area community and local healthcare organizations, as more than $16,000 has been donated for new rescue equipment.
The EFD serves as first responders for Garden of the Gods, and new rescue gear has been needed for some time. Last January, EFD members Chase and Cole Baker started a GoFundMe team fundraiser, asking the Equality community for help in purchasing new rope rescue equipment. After a few months, officials with Ferrell Hospital learned of the fundraiser, and together with Deaconess Illinois, offered to match up to $7,000.
The community and organizations responded, and $9,210 was raised, including $3,000 from Saline County Tourism (according to the GoFundMe site).
On January 24, Deaconess Illinois EMS, along with Ferrell Hospital (Deaconess Illinois Partner) presented a combined gift of $7,000 to the EFD in a special ceremony. “Ferrell Hospital was happy to be a part of the fundraising effort that was undertaken by Equality Fire Department to purchase safety and rescue equipment and fund training to first responders,” said Alisa Coleman, CEO, Ferrell Hospital. “We know that this is an area that attracts visitors from all over the region. We value the benefits that Garden of the Gods affords the area, and we want people to continue to visit and take advantage of a wonderful natural resource.”
More information about the fundraiser can be found on the GoFundMe site: https://www.gofundme.com/f/6t9ffn4
