SELCAS: A Lifeline for Rural Families in Times of Need
In Fairbury, Illinois, and the towns that surround it, when someone calls for help, the emergency responders who make up Southeast Livingston County Ambulance Service (SELCAS) answer. They show up in the middle of the night, in unpredictable weather, across tough terrain — wherever they’re needed most.
That kind of commitment is what led community member Amy Ifft to nominate them for Compeer’s National Heroes Day Giveaway.
“I knew right away that I wanted to nominate them,” said Amy. “They truly are a group of dedicated, committed people. Their crew goes above and beyond.”
SELCAS was one of three departments randomly selected from over 1,400 entries submitted across Compeer’s territory in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Each recipient received a $2,500 gift to support their continued service and recognize the essential role rural first responders play in keeping communities safe.
Community First, Always
Amy’s connection to SELCAS runs deep. Her sister and brother-in-law are both part of the team, and her family has relied on the service more than once over the years.
“We're so lucky and blessed to have them here,” she said. “They're great for the community.”
SELCAS serves more than 425 square miles of rural territory across southeast Livingston and northeast McLean Counties. With around 55 total personnel, the team includes full-time and part-time responders, many of whom volunteer additional time outside their scheduled shifts.
Their service is grounded in care and made possible by donations, grants and community support.
Meeting Rural Needs Together
The $2,500 gift from Compeer will go toward the department’s new ambulance, helping cover the cost to upgrade from two-wheel to four-wheel drive, a change that’s especially critical for safe travel in winter weather.
“That is exactly what donations like this will enable us to have,” said Jeremy Stoller, emergency medical services (EMS) coordinator at SELCAS. “To better protect our people and get places we need to go.”
For Amy, seeing SELCAS selected as one of the giveaway recipients felt like a full-circle moment.
“It feels awesome to see SELCAS win,” she said. “They deserve it, and our community is so fortunate to have them.”
Pictured from left to right: Amy Ifft, Kendra Edelman, Loretta Grimm, Justin Koehl, Gavin Cox, Diane Harfst.
A Shared Commitment to Rural Communities
The connection Diane Harfst has with SELCAS goes beyond her role as a loan officer with Compeer Home. They helped her parents during their later years, responding with care and professionalism when her family needed it most.
“When you make the call for emergency services, things are usually not going well and you have high anxiety,” she said. “You never had to worry with SELCAS. Your family member was always in good hands.”
Diane shared that her parents lived to be 89 and 91, and in their final years, SELCAS answered the call more than once.
“It’s great to know that Compeer is committed to rural communities, helping make a difference right in my backyard,” she added. “Something my family and neighbors value is the support to rural America.”
At Compeer, supporting rural first responders is a key part of our mission to champion rural communities.
“We believe strong rural communities aren’t just about where you live, they’re about the people who support and protect them,” said Compeer Home director of lending Chad McGlothlen. “This giveaway was a way to honor the first responders who make it possible for our clients and neighbors to live safely in the places they love.”
“In rural communities, everyday heroes live alongside us – ready to answer a call for help at any hour, in any conditions, sometimes in a family’s darkest times,” added Karen Schieler, manager of corporate giving at Compeer Financial. “Our volunteer first responders make rural communities a better and safer place to live. We are grateful to celebrate them as they give themselves in the service to others. There are no bigger heroes than them.”
Need Funding for Your Department?
Compeer offers grants for rural emergency response teams. Learn more about our Emergency Response Equipment Grant and Regional Collaboration Grant and apply.
