Flint Hills Resources and partner Koch Pipeline were busy helping heroes on Monday.

In 2012, Koch Pipeline and FHR began the Helping Heroes grant program to support local fire departments and emergency responders in Texas communities. This year nine fire departments/emergency responders received a combined total of $43,200 in grants.

Claire Jackson, community relations with Flint Hills Resources and Koch Pipeline, said the companies are pleased to support the volunteer and municipal fire departments in the area so they in turn can better help keep the community safe.

Port Arthur Fire Chief Larry Richard said they would use their $10,000 grant to purchase a fire extinguisher simulator for public education.

“We really needed this item and are happy to receive the grant,” Richard said.

Groves Fire Chief Dale Jackson said he would use the $5,000 in grant monies to purchase air bottles for air packs. Port Neches Fire Chief Steve Curran said he would use their grant funding to purchase stabilizing bars for rescues and fire fighter safety.

Clair Jackson said statewide FHR and KP are awarding a total of $175,000.

Local grant recipients include: Port Arthur Fire Department, $10,000; Port Neches Fire Department, $6,200; Groves Fire Department, $5,000; Cove Fire and Rescue Department, $5,000; City of Orange Fire Department, $4,500; Hardin County ESD No. 5, $4,500; Hardin County ESD No. 2, $3,000; Kountze Volunteer Fire Department, $2,500 and Jefferson County Emergency Services-District 1, $2,500.

E-mail: mary.meaux@panews.com

Twitter: MaryMeauxPANews