Photo Provided Pictured at a grant award ceremony are Laura Morrison, from left, Barton Fire Chief Kirk Smolenak, Barton VFD Treasurer Joe Gazdik, Energy Transfer Operations Manager Ron Jaquez, Energy Transfer Operations Manager Ryan Sluss, Squad Capt. Jeff Gazdik, Andrew Gazdik, John Burdock, Kenny Morrison and Energy Transfer Director Brad Fieseler.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Barton Volunteer Fire Department formally accepted a $10,000 grant earlier this month from Energy Transfer, which aided in the purchase of equipment to enhance the organization’s firefighting capabilities.

Energy Transfer is one of the largest and most diversified energy logistics companies in the country, with more than 2,300 miles of pipeline infrastructure located in Ohio.

“As a volunteer fire company, it is becoming more and more challenging to keep our equipment up-to-date and ensure the safety of our members and of our community,” Barton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kirk Smolenak said. “We are very grateful to Energy Transfer for supporting us with this grant and for being a great community partner.”

The grant was used to purchase fire helmets and shields for department members.

“We are honored to play a role in better-equipping first responders to protect our communities, and that includes the Barton Volunteer Fire Department,” Chris Koop, manager, Public Affairs at Energy Transfer, said. “We look forward to a continued partnership with the department for years to come, through grants, training, and other support.”

The Energy Transfer First Responder Fund provides grants to help further the primary mission of first responder organizations, including local fire departments; emergency medical services; county emergency management agencies; county, regional and local police departments; and other eligible agencies. Grants are determined based on a competitive application and review process, and written applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the following cycle.