e-Edition
By Ben Schultz
The Clark County Emergency Services Association (ESA) got a shot in the arm with a $5,000 grant from AAA Wisconsin last week at Greenwood.
The ESA, a collaborative group of firefighters, police officers and other emergency personnel, meets quarterly to share information. It consists of every community that serves Clark County, including some, like Spencer, which are outside the county but provide help there.
The grant will be used for road signs, traffic vests and turbo flares (battery-powered LED lights). They will replace traditional flares which present their own safety hazards.
Larry Kamholz, community outreach/traffic safety specialist with AAA Wisconsin, said emergency services are more important than ever and work is tough with tight budgets.
“You guys are all so critical for things that happen on a day to day basis,” he said.
While the ESA received less than it requested Kamholz said the group hasn’t seen its last check.
“I can guarantee you’ll be on the docket for additional funding,” he said.
He commended the group for working together, calling it a unique set-up.
“I have not seen this in the state,” he said. “I wish more communities would mimic this.”
Jim Backus, chief deputy with the Clark County sheriff’s department and a member of the Greenwood fire department, acts as a liaison for the groups. He said the ESA has been highly effective in helping rural communities meet emergency needs.
Backus figured there was a better chance for grant money if he applied on behalf of the entire ESA. He said collaboration has produced nothing but good results for all involved.
“I think our relationship has greatly improved since joining,” he said. “Everybody learns from everybody.”
