Grant lights the way for life saving service in Cedarcreek

As more and more people head to the lake, Cedarcreek Volunteer Fire Protection District is making preparations in case the unthinkable happens in their area. The volunteer fire district recently received a $4,380 grant from Skaggs Foundation to install LED lights around their helicopter pad.

“We are a small, rural community that really comes alive during the summer months,” said Cedarcreek Volunteer Fire Protection District Board President Deb Santee. “This project is one more step we are taking to be the best we can be for our residents and our visitors.”

Santee explained that in the past, when a medical emergency arose at night that needed a life flight helicopter, volunteer firefighter would go to the station and shine vehicle headlights onto the landing pad to make it visible for the helicopter to safely land. While this made the landing pad visible, it wasn’t a perfect solution.

“It was still difficult for paramedics to have proper lighting to wheel a patient to the helicopter pad,” Santee said.

With summer upon us, Santee worries about potential accidents that comes with lake activities. 

“These accidents can come with very serious injuries that require life flight,” Santee said. “We are relieved to have these lights installed and ready so that we can help offer the fastest, safest medical transport when seconds and minutes matter.”

The lighting for the helicopter pad was funded through a Skaggs Legacy Endowment grant. Skaggs Legacy Endowment was established in 2013 and since that time, the foundation has awarded more than $8.3 million to organizations working to improve health and wellness throughout Stone and Taney counties.

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Cutline: Mindy Honey, director of community relations for Skaggs Foundation, from left, presents a $4,380 check to Cedarcreek Volunteer Fire Protection District Board President and is joined by Sam Santee, Jennie Baltz and Chief Moe Anna.