Dakota Access Pipeline donates $20,000 to Keokuk Co. Emergency Management

           Representatives of the Dakota Access Pipeline project presented $20,000 each to Emergency Managers from Mahaska, Wapello, Keokuk, Jefferson, Van Buren, and Lee Counties, as part of their 18 counties that the new pipeline went through last year.

           “The donations, offered in goodwill by the company, can be used by the departments to purchase new equipment, perform additional training, or for any needs that benefit their first responders,” a release by Dakota Access Pipeline stated.

            Accepting the donation for Keokuk County was Larry Smith, Emergency Management Coordinator for Keokuk County. Smith was informed of the donation three weeks ago and since then has selected a specific recipient of the money.

            “The Hedrick Fire Department and Hedrick QRS will be the recipients of this donation for Keokuk County because the pipeline is located closest to them,” Smith said. “They’re going to be the first ones on scene if there is an emergency and the last to leave, so I felt it was very critical that they need the financial support to purchase resources.”

           Members of the Hedrick Fire Department are trained to handle emergency situations that may arise from the pipeline, according to Smith.

          “They would be defensive to secure the perimeter and make sure no one would get into the area,” Smith said. They would work in conjunction with pipeline operators to mitigate the potential hazards.”