Berkeley Springs Fire Company receives donation for equipment

The Carl M. Freeman Companies donated Berkeley Springs Volunteer Fire Company funds to purchase two sets of "turn-out gear" for the volunteer firefighters. Turn-out gear is the equipment firefighters wear when battling a blaze, including boots, heavy coat, etc. Recent out-going Fire Chief Todd Ruppenthal said, "We are delighted to receive this generous donation from the Freeman Companies. This equipment is greatly needed, and will allow us to outfit all of our volunteers with equipment that they will no longer need to share."

Freeman Companies purchased Coolfont in 2005 and are developing a second-home community on the property. The company has a tradition of giving back to the communities in which they do business. Bob Marggraf, Vice President and General Manager—West Virginia, of Carl M. Freeman Communities said it best when he explained, "Being great corporate citizens is important to The Carl M. Freeman Companies, for the past 60 years we have worked to lead by example as we support the community. We view Berkeley Springs as an amenity to the Coolfont community and look forward to ongoing and future collaboration in the years to come."

Aside from the company, the Carl M. Freeman Foundation plays an active role in the communities where the company conducts business—and where employees live. The Foundation was established by Mr. and Mrs. Carl M. Freeman in 1960 and the legacy of giving has continued and expanded throughout the decades.