Submitted Photo Gerd and Jim Tuchsherer stand in front of the new fire truck for the Rugby Volunteer Fire Department, purchased with their donation.

After receiving a $100,000 donation from Jim and Gerd Tuchscherer of Balta last year, the Rugby Volunteer Fire Department searched and found the right vehicle to purchase.

“We used it to purchase a new grass rig, replacing a 1978 Suburban. The donation is greatly appreciated,” Joel Berg, fire chief, said. “This allows the rural fire board to look at replacing other equipment that may be needed in the future.”

Berg said the truck is nearing completion and will be in service for the 2026 grass fire season.

The Tuchscherers said they enjoyed seeing the fire truck the department purchased and is equipping with fire equipment to fight grass fires.They said they donated to the fire department because they are very impressed that Rugby area people are willing to do what they do. They said the fire department members give their time without regard for their own safety to keep everyone safe and the rural area protected.

The Tuchscherers said there were two times when they had to call the fire department. Once a lightning strike started bales on fire and in another instance they had a straw fire in a wheat field. They said both times the fire department was prompt, courteous and most importantly, they put out the fire.