Last week, the Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF) held their benefit event at the Riverside Casino to hand out spring and fall grants to deserving organizations.

The Kalona Fire Department was one such organization, receiving a $230,000 grant from WCRF. They plan to use this grant to go towards a new pumper/tanker fire truck. The grant covers approximately 45 percent of the total price of the vehicle, which is just over $500,000. The department plans to have the truck by the end of next summer.

“I’m almost speechless,” said Fire Chief Jerry Zahradnek. “To receive that amount of money against that truck, it takes some of the ease off of the taxpayer, off of fundraising, and it allows us to look at visions as we continue to grow. We can continue to serve in a real positive capacity.”

WCRF is a non-profit organization established in 2004. They have donated over $3 million dollars this year alone, including 17 spring grants, 14 fall grants, and 8 municipal grants.