Credit union awards grants to local fire districts

Gesa, a community-chartered credit union, recently announced the recipients of its first Local Heroes Grant Program, awarding $110,000 in grants to 23 organizations across Washington state, according to information from the company.

Grant County Fire District 5 and Grant County Fire District 7 received $5,000 each after submitting videos with their applications.

The grants are aimed to support Local Heroes populations, including firefighters, law enforcement, teachers, health care workers, and veterans in Washington. Recipients this year include the Walla Walla Fire Department, Shoreline Public Schools Foundation, Friends of Disabled Veterans and the K9 Foundation Yakima Valley.

“Gesa recognizes and appreciates our local heroes who serve our communities across Washington state,” said Richard Waddle, executive vice president of Gesa Credit Union, in a press release. “As we watched the videos that applicants had sent in, we were inspired by the clear passion they have for uplifting our communities. We’re thrilled to honor that passion and the invaluable work that these organizations have done, and we thank them for their selfless efforts in serving our community.”