CASSOPOLIS — Midwest Energy Cooperative, in partnership with Touchstone Energy Cooperative, helped raise more than $10,000 for the Active Violence Preparedness Program of the Cass County Firemen’s Association last week.

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, Midwest employees worked side-by-side with Cass County emergency responders to staff the Fireman’s Grill at the Cass County Fair. All proceeds and donations from the day were earmarked for the designated program, which will help equip our local first responders with training and equipment to allow them to more effectively respond to mass violence situations.

Community members answered the call while enjoying delicious food, and raised $5,347.34 in a record-setting day of sales. As part of the campaign, Midwest offered to match up to $5000 using Touchstone Energy sponsorship dollars, bringing the total raised to $10,347.34.

“We, the fire service, realized how under-prepared we are if an active violence situation occurred in Cass County. We’re all (police, fire, EMS) going to be there if, God forbid, something happens. This program will place us in a greater stage of readiness to serve our citizens,” said Paul Harris, captain of the Edwardsburg Fire Department. “We have no doubt that the overwhelming success from Tuesday’s effort are a direct result of Midwest’s involvement and dedication to the cause.”

Midwest Energy Cooperative is a regional provider of electric distribution, propane gas, and fiber communications solutions to more than 35,000 members and customers in southern Michigan and northern Indiana and Ohio.