RICHLAND — Grant County Fire District 3, which serves the Quincy, George and Crescent Bar areas, was one of 44 recipients of more than $475,000 in grants to organizations across the Pacific Northwest as part of Gesa Credit Union’s Local Heroes Grant Program, according to an announcement from Gesa. This marks the program’s largest donation year yet. The top awarded organizations received upwards of $50,000 to support their individual needs. 

Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program provides grants to organizations that support any of Gesa’s outlined Local Heroes categories, including firefighters, law enforcement, educators, healthcare workers, and veterans, according to the announcement. This year’s recipients were selected by the credit union’s Gesa Community Foundation selection committee. Funds are raised through the credit union’s special Local Heroes debit card. 

Of the organizations recognized through the Local Heroes Grant Program this year, 16 grants were awarded to educators, according to the announcement. Firefighters and law enforcement organizations were provided a total of 14 grants, seven for each local heroes group. Three grants were given to organizations supporting healthcare workers, and another 11 grants supported veteran organizations.  

“We are incredibly proud to support this year’s Local Heroes Grant recipients. Each of these organizations inspires us with their unwavering commitment to making our communities a stronger and safer place,” Brandon Allison, AVP of training, education, and community relations at Gesa Credit Union wrote in the announcement. “The work these heroes do every day truly makes a difference. Gesa is honored to stand beside them and help further their impact.”