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Riding for medical equipment

First Responders raise funds for AEDs

By Holly Neumann


Nearly 70 riders came out June 25 to help the Ogdensburg-St Lawrence First Responders raise money for new automated external defibrillators (AED).

“This is the fifth year that we have sponsored the event,” said Hope Piotter, who owns and operates The Pour House Bar. “Each year it gets a little bigger.”

Piotter went on to say the as a small community, the Ogdensburg/St Lawrence Department is not always eligible for grants.

“We need our First Responders,” she said. “We have to do whatever we can to help and to keep them here.”

Paula Durrant, who is the Fire Chief for the Ogdensburg/St Lawrence Fire Department, stated that eight machines in total are needed and will cost around $1,200 a piece.

“We have an aging community here,” Durrant said. “We really need these machines because all of our First Responders carry them.”
Among the riders was Nick Weed.

“I have been a First Responder for eight years now,” Weed said. “This is my own team and it is very important that we stay up to date on our equipment.”

Nick’s mother Lisa was also along for the ride.

“My son is a First Responder and firefighter and I have many friends on the department,” she said. “I started doing this for them. It’s always a good time and it raises money for a great cause.”

After a prayer, led by Cindy Prinsen, to keep everyone safe, the riders were off in dune buggies, motorcycles, trucks and cars for a 135 mile trip to raise money for the cause.

“I am just so thankful for everyone that came out today,” said Durrant. “Together we can all make a difference.”

Anyone wishing to help can send donations to Ogdensburg/St Lawrence First Responders, c/o Paula Durrant, PO Box 82, Ogdensburg, WI 54962.

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