Cove Rural Fire Protection District receives major grant from the Wildhorse Foundation for handheld radios
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
COVE – (Press release from the Cove Rural Fire Protection District) Cove Rural Fire Protection District updates handheld radios with a $15,300 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation.
The Cove Rural Fire Protection District was formed in 1955 to provide volunteer fire and quick response medical service to the area. Many dedicated volunteers throughout the years established a reliable and well-equipped department. As we move forward with future generations it was determined that the handheld radios that were in use were no longer serviceable and needed to be replaced.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Wildhorse Foundation the department will be going into one of the driest years thus far on record with handheld radios that are dependable, reliable, and compatible with mutual aid departments. A firefighter on the department stated, “I feel much safer being able to communicate with other emergency responders on fire and medical calls as communication is the number one priority”.
Each year, the Wildhorse Foundation makes grants to eligible nonprofit, government, and Tribal organizations within the homeland area of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people. Also eligible for funding are Tribal government agencies or Native American charitable organizations with their base of operations within Oregon, as well as national or regional Indian organizations. The Wildhorse Foundation has awarded a total of over $20 million in grant funding since its establishment in 2001. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis with the deadlines being January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at www.thewildhorsefoundation.com.
The Cove Rural Fire Protection District as well as most departments are always needing volunteers if you have the drive to help others in times of need. If nobody volunteers there will be no emergency services in most rural areas. Take the leap and contact your local department to inquire on how you can help.
About the Wildhorse Foundation: The fund reflects the commitment of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to take a proactive, positive role in the well-being of the community. Funds, derived from a percentage of revenues from Wildhorse Resort & Casino, are managed and distributed by a Board of Directors comprised of community leaders and representatives of the CTUIR.
