Hennessey Fire Department was a recent recipient of a donation of more than $15,000 by the owner of the local wind farm.

“We are thankful not just for the donation, but also to have Enel in our community,” said Hennessey Fire Chief Bert Gritz about the $15,300 donation from Enel Green Power North America, owner and operator of the Red Dirt Wind Farm east of Hennessey.

“The funds will be used to purchase two sets of bunker gear and an extractor and drying cabinet to clean our gear,” said Gritz, who is also the vice mayor.

The donation was given Feb. 22 at the Hennessey Fire Station.

The extractor and drying cabinet are used to safely and adequately clean and dry the turnout gear.

Firefighters frequently encounter hazardous materials, including carcinogens and particulates, posing health risks to the department.

This equipment enables the department to increase firefighter safety and the longevity of existing turnout gear, Gritz said.

Cole Nelms, Red Dirt assistant wind site supervisor for EGP, visited with firefighters before the presentation. He told them he’d like to run mock emergency and on site safety situations with firefighters assisting.

Firefighters jumped at the idea, and said it would be excellent training for them.

Sen. Chuck Hall (R-Perry) and Rep. Mike Sanders (R-Kingfisher) attended the presentation as did firefighters and Enel personnel.

Hall said the donation “is yet another example of Enel Green Power’s commitment to Oklahoma and the communities where their staff live and work.”

He said the “much needed life-saving equipment will help keep firefighters safe as they so proudly serve their constituency.”

“Enel is such a great community partner to Hennessey. This donation of $15,300 for gear and extractor and dryer will go a long way,” Sanders said. “It means a great deal to the community of Hennessey and I am grateful for them.”  

In Oklahoma, Enel Green operates 10 wind farms across the state.

The company’s overall investment in Oklahoma amounts to more than $2.7 billion since 2012, according to its news release.