Serving St. Clair: A Fire Department Rooted in Community
For the St. Clair Fire Department, serving the community takes many forms. The all-volunteer crew in St. Clair, Minnesota responds to emergencies when they arise, provides farm safety education to help prevent accidents and shows up for neighbors with a warm smile and a plate of pancakes at community breakfast events. No matter the need, the St. Clair Fire Department is always ready to serve.
Local resident Michelle May felt compelled to recognize that commitment. When Compeer launched its National Heroes Day Giveaway, she nominated the department on behalf of her father, farmer John “Jack” May.
“The fire department has done a lot over the years to support the community, and we wanted to recognize all they do for our area,” Michelle said.
The St. Clair Fire Department was one of three winners randomly selected from more than 1,400 nominations across Compeer’s territory in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Each received a $2,500 gift to support their continued service and recognize the essential role rural first responders play in their communities.
While she hasn’t had to call on them in an emergency, just knowing they are there brings her a sense of peace and made her proud to give back to the department that’s been a steady presence in her hometown.
“They’ve always been there,” agreed Jack. “You feel better knowing that if something happens, they’ll show up.”
A Steady, Trusted Presence
The St. Clair Fire Department’s 25 volunteers serve the City of St. Clair and portions of McPherson, Decoria, Mankato, Medo and LeRay townships in southern Blue Earth County. With deep roots in the farming community, the department understands the unique risks that come with rural life. They’ve made it a priority to educate others about the dangers of grain bin accidents and regularly share safety tips that can help prevent tragedies before they happen.
Like many rural departments, they face ongoing challenges when it comes to funding and equipment. Maintaining reliable service across such a large area requires significant resources and the $2,500 gift from Compeer will help them take a step toward one of their most urgent goals, purchasing a new fire truck.
“This donation is important to our department because we are purchasing a new fire truck, and for the first time since I’ve been here, we had to ask each of the townships to help us pay for the truck,” said Bill Fitzloff, who has been fire chief of St. Clair Fire Department for 37 years. “Every other time, we’ve been able to raise enough funds to cover the cost, but prices keep rising and our community base has been slowly declining.”
Recruiting and retaining volunteers is another growing challenge for the St. Clair Fire Department. And while community spirit runs deep, the realities of modern rural life have made recruitment and daytime coverage increasingly difficult.
“My greatest concern is finding firefighters who are available during the day,” explained Bill. “Many people don’t work in town anymore because the businesses have left, so folks are going to Mankato to work. We need our firefighters nearby if we get a call, which is becoming a struggle.”
Despite the challenges, the department continues to serve with unwavering commitment and gifts like Compeer’s are a meaningful boost, helping the team stay equipped and ready to respond.
A Shared Commitment to Rural Communities
At Compeer, recognizing and supporting rural first responders is deeply rooted in our mission to champion rural.
“We believe strong rural communities aren’t just about where you live, they’re about the people who support and protect them,” said Chad McGlothlen, Compeer Home director of lending. “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.”
For Compeer Home loan officer Lindsey Anderson, the opportunity to celebrate a department in her own region was especially meaningful.
“I love helping clients finance their dream homes, but supporting rural life goes beyond that,” said Lindsey. “Through initiatives like this giveaway, we're honoring the people who protect our clients, our neighbors and the communities we're proud to call home.”
Karen Schieler, manager of corporate giving at Compeer Financial, echoed the sentiment.
“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,” Karen said. “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.”
In the picture above, Compeer Home loan officer Lindsey Anderson stands with St. Clair Fire Department fire chief Bill Fitzloff and local John “Jack” May.
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.
