Volunteer Spirit Shines as Scotland Fire Department Renovates with Lowe's Hometowns Grant

Oct 31, 2024

 

The Scotland Fire Department in Scotland, Connecticut, couldn’t be a more deserving recipient of the Lowe’s Hometowns grant.

Now in its third year, the Lowe’s Hometowns grant program aims to fund projects designed to improve the surrounding community for all. The program is well on its way to making a $100 million impact by 2026, and thanks to Lowe’s commitment to revitalizing communities, the Scotland Fire Department was able to undergo necessary renovations to the fire department.

Founded in 1947, the Scotland Fire Department provides emergency services for over 36,000 residents, including residents who live within the surrounding communities of Scotland. What makes the Scotland Fire Department special is that it’s staffed mostly by volunteers. 

“It takes a lot for a person to… give that kind of care and dedication to a person they don't even know. And it's huge for our smaller communities that don't exactly have a lot of funds to have the bigger departments and the bigger, flashier items. So, to have the volunteer dedication to do the job is a great asset to the communities that we live in,”

Michael Gurnack, Deputy Fire Chief, Scotland Fire Department

The Scotland Fire Department prides itself on providing timely emergency response to its neighbors in need. However, the department found it necessary to give firefighters a space to wait for, recuperate from, and rest after emergency calls. This meant they needed a bunkhouse with private quarters for volunteers and updates to their kitchen so volunteers could enjoy a warm meal or a snack after an emergency response call.

Thanks to the $30,000 Lowe’s Hometowns grant and corporate and nonprofit sponsors, the Scotland Fire Department received a new look, including building a bunkhouse, remodeling the kitchen and the office space, and painting newly renovated areas. 

The firefighters weren’t left to do the work alone, though. Lowe’s associates and community members volunteered during the Red Vest Day to help paint the newly renovated areas. Andrew Tuneski, store manager of Lowe’s in Lisbon, Connecticut, along with twenty-six other Lowe’s volunteers, volunteered their time to help the Scotland Fire Department wrap up their project. Sherwin-Williams also donated thirty-five gallons of paint to help support the department in its renovations.

For Andrew, Lowe’s commitment to the community and its commitment to volunteerism speaks volumes. “Giving back to the community is something Lowe's prides itself on… Giving back to the community is strong throughout Lowe's… We offer our associates to give back to their communities, whether it's a Heroes project, a Hometown Signature project, or something they're passionate about outside of their work,” he said.

Lowe’s is proud to serve their communities, especially those community organizations dedicated to helping others. For more information about Lowe’s Hometowns grant programs, visit the Lowe’s corporate website.