WWE gives back to local fire department

December 30, 2007

WHEELER - Paul Harrison, president of Western Wisconsin Energy (WWE), recently announced an $8,500 contribution to the Boyceville Fire Department. The contribution was presented to Brian Marlette, the chief of the Boyceville Fire Department.

As part of the announcement, Harrison said, " From the beginning of our building project, the fire department worked closely with the board of directors to assure safety. Today we have the opportunity to give back to the fire department for their ongoing support and to assist their efforts in furthering training endeavors and the purchasing of fire fighting equipment."

Marlette expressed appreciation for the contribution and said, "This money will be put to good use and will be used to purchase additional equipment for the entire staff. This includes specialized firefighting equipment and rescue apparatuses. This is really a wonderful gift which benefits the entire community."

Marletter has been the chief of the department since 2005. The Boyceville Fire Department is a volunteer force, which has been in existence since 1948. The department is comprised of more than 35 members from throughout the community.

Boyceville Village president Steve Fischer also commented on the WWE's contribution to the Fire Department.

"The WWE did not have to make this cntribution as we are happy to provide fire emergency services to local corporations," he said. " The WWE, however, said they would be good neighbors from the very beginning, and they have lived up to their promise. I think it is also important to mention this gift is being made with no strings attached. The contribution can be used for whatever training or equipment the department determines necessary."

The WWE ethanol plant has been in operation since Aug. 28, 2006. The plant is designed to produce 40 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol per year, which can be used in numberous vehicles being mass-produced by automobile manufacturers.

The Dunn County News; Sunday, December 30, 2007; Community News; A5