Members of the Cairo Volunteer Fire Department are better equipped to fight fires, thanks to a $7,500 grant from the Walter E. and Marie Ausenheimer Memorial Fund. The grant enabled the Department to upgrade five sets of personal protective equipment.

In recent years, the Department has recruited many new female firefighters; this grant enabled the Department to purchase gear that is a better fit for these first fighters. The Department provides coverage for more than 3,000 residents in their service area.

As a Cairo resident noted, "It is always reassuring knowing that our firefighters have the proper equipment. As a resident you hope you never have to call 9-1-1 but when you do it makes it so much easier trusting your fire department and trusting that they have the equipment needed to operate safely."