In a small community, ‘we are one family’

Federal Dam Fire and Rescue, in Federal Dam, MN, serves a 125-square-mile area in north-central Minnesota with a devoted group of 24/7 volunteers. “If somebody’s got a problem, we all have a problem. I like to be that guy that can help ’em out,” says Willie, fire chief and a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. A recent Safe Community First Responder Program grant from Enbridge allowed the department to buy new bunker gear, a first responder rig and SCBA air packs with 45 minutes of air, rather than the previous 30. “We owe these folks a debt of gratitude, to thank them for all they’re doing,” says Angela, a member of Enbridge’s Tribal engagement team. Entering a burning home, “if we get an extra 15 minutes in that house, we might save a life. It’s a game changer for us,” says Willie. “It’s a big eye opener to folks to realize how much funding it takes to run a department. And if it wasn’t for Enbridge, our doors would have been shut probably 10, 12 years ago.”