Koch Feeds Pipeline Delivering Safety to Liberian Firefighters

With the help of a Brooklyn Park non-profit, Koch Pipeline Company will send critical equipment to firefighters half a world away.

In a news release, a Koch spokesperson said the company is donating 33 sets of breathing apparatuses to the National Fire Service in Liberia.

"Firefighting in the African country of Liberia has been reduced to shambles after almost 15 years of civil conflict," said the spokesperson.

Koch Pipeline operates infrastructure delivering oil to refineries and refined fuel to the Twin Cities, including much of the fuel used at Minneapolis-St. Paul International.  But when it came time to make this delivery, Koch needed outside help.

That's where Fire Rescue Alliance (FRA) comes in.  It's a non-profit based in Brooklyn Park whose mission, according to its Facebook page, is "supporting the Republic of Liberia's National Fire Service.

This isn't the only Koch - FRA outreach partnership.

"Koch Pipeline and FRA are also donating an additional 33 breathing apparatuses, coats and pants to the San Lucas Fire Department in Guatemala.

This time it's Koch that has the connection.  A retired firefighter from Koch Industries subsidiary Flint Hills Resources, Romeo Maldanado, has been volunteering in San Lucas since late 2011.