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Clark Fork Valley Elks (CFVE) in Thompson Falls continue their endeavor of helping make a better and safer community by bringing aid to the rural volunteer fire departments in Sanders County. The Montana State Elks Association (MSEA) created the State Major Project with the mission to help Montana's 8,000 volunteer firefighters do their job more safely and efficiently.

On Saturday, CFVE Exalted Ruler Charlie Munday presented checks to Heron and Trout Creek rural fire departments at the Wayside in Trout Creek. "We pay annual dues to be an Elks member. In those dues, a portion is paid to the MSEA and that money goes into the grant program," Munday said.

After the rural fire departments are approached, board members write a list of needs that is sent back to MSEA and a check is then written and presented to the fire departments. A total of $35,000 was given to rural fire departments around Montana this year. Trout Creek Rural Fire Department received $1,500, Dixon Rural Fire Department received $1,472 and Heron Rural Fire Department received $500. "There are a lot who ask for help, but it's all part of taking care of the community, that's what Elks do," Munday said.

Trout Creek Rural Fire Department asked for funding to purchase a thermal camera. "This funding is huge because we're on a tax base and with fuel it makes it tough to get anything extra," said Dave Anderson. "This check is a huge bonus for the department."

Heron Rural Fire Department asked for funding for traffic cones and LED road flares to help decrease traffic accidents. Paul Overman, Heron Rural Fire Department chairman, accepted the check at Saturday's presentation. "I want to thank MSEA for their charitable donation to our department," Overman said. "We have been a fire department since 1975. We've had many ups and downs but with the hard work of volunteers, we are able to serve our community. As any rural fire department, we work on a tight budget. We are very grateful and thankful for any support."

Munday will present a check to Dixon Rural Fire Department later this week. Dixon asked for funding to purchase rechargeable lights, oil clean-up pads and hazmat clean-up pads. "We're all volunteers," Munday said. "These guys are volunteers and like the Elks, they are benevolent and protective. These guys have that in their blood when they are out there saving lives."