Will Leaves $140k to Small Minnesota Fire Department

A small Minnesota fire department has received an early Christmas present, courtesy of a bequest from a local resident who was grateful for the hard work and thoughtfulness of the firefighters.

Eleanor Sanford, 99, of Dakota, died in September and her will has left $140,000 to Dakota Fire Rescue. The gift equates to roughly eight times the department’s annual budget.

Dakota Fire Chief Scott Hoeg, who was Sanford’s neighbor, was reported to have been speechless when informed of the bequest. He said the money will likely be put toward a new fire truck.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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