MPLX donation funds safety equipment for fire department in Western Oklahoma

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MPLX LP is helping a volunteer fire department improve its safety, efficiency and communication after several wildfires in Western Oklahoma.

“A large grass fire in January threatened to potentially impact our plant,” said Jennifer Hagerman, Chemist and Local Giving Committee Ambassador. “We are grateful to all the local fire departments that worked together to battle this fire.”

MPLX and its corporate partner donated $17,000 to the Butler Volunteer Fire Department in Western Oklahoma. Because in rural areas many of the local fire departments work together, MPLX also provided a $500 donation to each of the ten departments located in Custer County and hosted an appreciation dinner.

“We appreciate the sacrifices of our local first responder volunteers more than we can express. I’m so thankful we can show our appreciation in a tangible, supportive way,” said Hagerman.

The Butler Volunteer Fire Department used the funds to purchase new communication equipment. The fire trucks maneuver uneven, steep terrain, often in very poor visibility, which means individuals riding on the back of the truck must wear a full face mask with filter, which limits communication with others. Volunteer firefighter Tyrel French said they had many challenges when responding to emergencies.

“We appreciate the sacrifices of our local first responder volunteers more than we can express. I’m so thankful we can show our appreciation in a tangible, supportive way.”

“The best system of communication we have now is the firefighter on the back slaps the top of the cab and gives hand signals in hopes that the driver understands the hazard ahead,” said French. “These intercom systems that we were able to purchase will provide the driver and firefighter a headset with a microphone, so that they can have clear voice communication between the two and help them work as a team to avoid hazards and dangerous situations.”

The grant will also be used to purchase a new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus to wear while entering a house or office fire or in HAZMAT situations. The Butler Fire Department is just minutes from the MPLX Arapaho gas processing plant, as well as many of the Foss Lake assets in Western Oklahoma. With the upgraded equipment, volunteer firefighters can better serve the community and protect local businesses and their employees.

“These are well-deserved grant funds for the community service provided for the local communities as well as our facilities over the years,” Arapaho Plant Operations Supervisor Greg Beauchamp commented. “I’m very pleased that our company was able to help out purchasing some new equipment.”