RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - A Russellville Lohman Fire Protection District vehicle received four new tires June 14.
Cooper Tires & Rubber Company partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation for the donation of 30 tires for first responders in need during Public Service Recognition Week in May.
Russellville Chief Mitchell Ott said the department appreciates the donation, which will make funds available for other needs.
"It means a lot to us," Ott said. "We're a small department with a small budget."
Tires were placed on the service rescue truck, which pulls the air and light trailer, he said. Ott has served in the position for one year. The district is in need of updated trucks and education equipment, which could be secured by grant funding.
"We're patching stuff together and making things last," Ott said.
Cooper Tires and the foundation also donated tires in Nebraska and Kentucky, according to a media release. Jessica Egerton, director of brand development for Cooper Tire, said the foundation helped identify fire stations across the country where equipment needs were there.
"First responders rely on their vehicles and the tires that connect them to the road," Egerton said. "So we're honored to provide new tires that their firefighters can rely on to help them serve their communities and stay safe while doing so."