The Barton Volunteer Fire Department formally accepted a grant Wednesday in the amount of $10,000 from Energy Transfer, which aided in the purchase of equipment to enhance the organization’s firefighting capabilities.

“As a volunteer fire company, it is becoming more and more challenging to keep our equipment up-to-date and ensure the safety of our members and of our community,” Barton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kirk Smolenak said in a new release. “We are very grateful to Energy Transfer for supporting us with this grant and for being a great community partner.”

The grant was used to purchase fire helmets and shields for department members.

“We are honored to play a role in better-equipping first responders to protect our communities, and that includes the Barton Volunteer Fire Department,” said Chris Koop, Manager, Public Affairs at Energy Transfer. “We look forward to a continued partnership with the department for years to come, through grants, training, and other support.”