Siloam Springs, AR (August 23, 2022) - Today, Simmons Foods presented a donation of $50,000 to the Southwest City Missouri Fire Department to assist in the purchase of new safety equipment for firefighters.
Simmons recently learned the Southwest City Fire Department, which operates with a team of volunteer firefighters, had a need for new equipment to enhance their ability to carry out their life-saving work.
Todd Simmons, CEO and Vice Chairman of Simmons Foods, and Simmons team members presented a check for $50,000 to volunteers from the Southwest City Fire Department to purchase new safety equipment, including new bunker gear, extraction equipment, and self-contained breathing apparatuses.
"We're thankful to have a company like Simmons Foods that wants to be involved in supporting our community. As a small town, there are many competing needs for our limited funding. This donation will help us meet a critical need for our Fire Department. Thank you and God Bless the people of Simmons," said Southwest City Mayor David Blake.
Some of the equipment needs included new bunker gear, new extraction equipment (Jaws of Life), and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA's). Their existing equipment was over 20 years old. Earlier this year, Southwest City officials applied for and received approval for a grant to provide about half of the funds needed to purchase this safety gear.
“As a member of the Southwest City community, with 1,400 team members working at our plant just down the road, Simmons is grateful for the commitment of this dedicated group of firefighters. We are proud to be able to play a small role in supporting the community and these firefighters by providing funds for new tools and safety equipment that will assist in their emergency response efforts,” said Todd Simmons, CEO of Simmons Foods.
Fellow firemen and Simmons leaders pay tribute to a long-time former firefighter and Simmons team member, Donnie Brown, who passed away last year. Chief Shane Clark holds the helmet that Brown wore during his many years of service to the Southwest City Fire Department.
About Simmons Foods Inc. and Affiliates
Simmons Foods and its Affiliates are leading suppliers of poultry, pet and animal nutrition products based in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Simmons works with farmers, communities, and team members to apply 70+ years of experience to serving customers. Simmons Prepared Foods ranks in the top 15 poultry producers in the United States, Simmons Pet Food is the largest supplier of store brand wet pet food in North America, and Simmons Animal Nutrition boasts an innovative line of proprietary animal nutrition products. With 9,000 team members, Simmons Foods and its Affiliates serve customers in all 50 states and more than 40 countries around the world.
