The Potter Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Sidney and Greater Area (SAGA) Fund to help replace its aging air compressor, a crucial piece of equipment for the safety of its firefighters.
The compressor, used to refill air tanks for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), is vital for ensuring firefighter safety during emergency responses. The current unit, which was originally manufactured in 1942, has served the department for decades but is now unreliable and in need of replacement.
The Potter Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD) has been serving over 200 miles of the western Nebraska Panhandle since 1918, responding to more than 150 calls annually. With 35 members—28 firefighters and 7 EMTs, many of whom perform both roles—the department relies heavily on community support and resources to maintain its operations.
The total cost of the new 10 HP compressor, which will be provided by Nebraska-based FYR-TEK, is $39,168.94. Thanks to local fundraising efforts, the department has already raised $10,000. The grant from SAGA will help cover the remaining expenses as the department works to secure additional funds.
“We are extremely grateful to the Sidney and Greater Area Fund for their generous support,” said Potter Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Onstott. “This grant will help us replace vital equipment and ensure our volunteers have the tools necessary to protect themselves and the community. It is through donations like this that we can continue serving with confidence.”
The new compressor, which is expected to last up to 30 years, will replace the 78-year-old unit currently in use.
SAGA Chairperson Melissa Norgard expressed her organization’s commitment to supporting the department’s efforts. “We are honored to contribute to the Potter Volunteer Fire Department’s mission of keeping the community safe,” she said. “Replacing this outdated compressor will directly improve the department’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies and ensure the safety of its volunteers. It’s crucial that our local heroes have the best equipment available.”
Beyond serving Potter, the department plays an active role in the Tri-State Mutual Aid Association, a collaboration of 14 fire departments across the region. Additionally, PVFD fosters the next generation of emergency responders through its Youth Cadet Program, a partnership with Potter-Dix School that allows students to gain school credits while training alongside seasoned professionals.
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