U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke’s staff members pulled up to the Ronan Volunteer Fire Department March 11 in a black SUV followed by the boss, who rolled into town driving a black pickup, accompanied by his older brother.

Zinke delivered an oversized check for $547,500 to the Ronan Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new Type 1 fire truck and $200,000 for Lake County’s Law Enforcement Resiliency Project, which will help purchase new police vehicles and equipment.

“Volunteer firefighters are often the first to respond when our community needs help, and having reliable equipment can make all the difference,” said Ronan Mayor Ryan Corum, who also serves as RVFD lieutenant and volunteer firefighter. He and Fire Chief Chris Adler accepted on behalf of the fire department.

“This new Type 1 fire truck will strengthen our ability to respond to fires and emergencies across the Ronan area,” Corum said. “We appreciate Congressman Zinke’s support for rural fire departments and his recognition of the important role volunteers play in keeping our communities safe.”

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell and Undersheriff Levi Read accepted the $200,000 check for law enforcement gear.

Ronan was among the destinations in Zinke’s tour around Western Montana last week delivering ceremonial checks totaling more than $5.9 million in federal funding for critical infrastructure and public safety projects. The funding is part of more than $35 million ZInke secured in fiscal year 2026 as a part of the appropriations process, according to a press release.

Zinke is a four-term Congressman who serves on the House Appropriations and Foreign Affairs committees. He described roads and bridges as “part of my job” as a member of Appropriations, adding that many towns in Montana need funding for infrastructure.

Asked about his recent announcement that he will retire at the conclusion of this term, Zinke said, “Even old battleships need to come into port once in a while.”

Following his Ronan stop, Zinke and his crew pulled out for a visit to Superior and then on to Hamilton.

    Ronan Mayor Ryan Corum, who is also a lieutenant with the fire department, displays a $500,000 check the department received from U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke to purchase a new fire truck. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)