Nutrien's Borger Nitrogen facility gives local firefighters a boost

In the wake of the wildfires that ravaged Texas earlier this year, ensuring that local firefighters are well-equipped has never been more critical. Gary Leatherman, Senior Lab Technician at the Borger Nitrogen facility and a volunteer firefighter with the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department, understands this urgency all too well. “Fighting wildfires in rural areas where water access is limited can significantly delay our response time,” says Gary. “The key is having sufficient water storage capacity directly on the trucks, enabling us to act rapidly and effectively when fire hydrants aren’t available.”

Recognizing this need, Nutrien, in collaboration with its Community Relations & Investment team, made a $35,000 donation to the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department to purchase and refurbish a wildland water tender truck. “This truck, with a 5,000-gallon water capacity and rear and side sprayers, will be indispensable for our community’s firefighters,” notes Gary, who has been a volunteer at the Fritch fire department for eight years and recently advanced to the role of Assistant Fire Chief. Gary is one of several Nutrien employees who volunteer at the department.

To maximize the donation’s impact, the Borger facility and Fritch fire department conducted an extensive search for suitable trucks, ultimately securing a low-mileage Peterbilt at a favorable price. Volunteers from the fire department contributed their time and expertise to the refurbishment process, including painting and additional custom modifications. This collaborative effort helped minimize costs, allowing more funds to be dedicated to essential equipment. After several weeks of work, the new truck is now fully operational and ready to tackle fires.

The addition of this truck to the fleet will significantly improve access to difficult terrains and enhance firefighting capabilities, safeguarding lives, properties, and natural resources. “This is a game changer for all of our volunteer firefighters and the community,” Gary said. “Our team’s dedication and commitment to our Culture of Care make us proud to contribute meaningfully.”

Fire Chief Trey White of the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department highlighted the transformative impact of Nutrien's contribution. “We are very grateful for the donation from the Borger Nitrogen facility which gave us the ability to purchase a 5,000-gallon water tender. The addition of the tender to our fleet is phenomenal for our fire department and plays a crucial role in our response to emergencies throughout the community.”

In addition to Nutrien’s ongoing support of the Fritch Volunteer Fire Department, a donation of $15,000 was made to the Stinnett Fire Department to assist with the purchase of supplies and equipment that were lost in the wildfires earlier this year.

Learn more about how Nutrien supported the community and first responders during the wildfires.