Pioneer Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Charitable Foundation has awarded grants to 27 volunteer fire departments serving Butler, Dallas, Lowndes and Wilcox counties.

The departments received $500 grants to assist them with operating expenses and equipment purchases. The grants were presented at electrical safety training events in Greenville and Selma, hosted by Operation Round Up. Recipients included Beloit #2 VFD, Boykin VFD, BS&W VFD, Brushey-Mashey Creek VFD, Calhoun VFD, Carlowville VFD, Central VFD, Collirene VFD, Craig AFB VFD, FIW VFD, Forest Home VFD, Garland VFD, Hicks Hill/Black Belt VFD, Liberty VFD, Midway-Damascus VFD, Oak Hill VFD, Pine Apple VFD, Providence & Mount Pisgah VFD, Pigeon Creek VFD, River Oaks VFD, Sardis VFD, Searcy VFD, Shackleville VFD, Snow Hill-Furman VFD Spring Creek VFD, Starlington VFD and Tyler VFD.     

“We share a common goal of serving our communities and protecting their safety,” said Pioneer Electric General Manager Terry Moseley. “The safety of our employees and the general public is our top concern. We hope that the grants and training assist these departments in accomplishing that shared mission.”

Pioneer Electric Safety Manager Jay Barnett educated attendees about electric distribution system equipment and best practices for accidents or fires involving power lines. 

Operation Round Up is funded by Pioneer Electric members who voluntarily round up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar. All funds stay in the community to benefit local organizations and individuals in need. Since the program’s inception last year, Operation Round Up has awarded more than $100,000 in grants. For more information about Operation Round Up or to apply for a grant, visit www.pioneerelectric.com/operation-round.