NorthWestern Energy donates $2,000 to Havre Fire Department for gas detection equipment

Havre, Mont. - Nov. 3, 2026 - NorthWestern Energy donated $2,000 to the Havre Fire Department to help purchase a new hand-held multi-gas detector that will enhance safety for firefighters responding to possible natural gas emergencies.

When there is a report of a gas odor at a home or business, firefighters are often among the first to arrive. The multi-gas detector can be used from outside a structure to help firefighters determine whether conditions are safe to enter or whether they should wait for NorthWestern Energy crews to arrive and shut off the natural gas supply.

"We appreciate our first responders getting to a home or business quickly when there is a smell of gas," said NorthWestern Energy Community Relations Manager Shane Etzwiler. "This equipment provides firefighters with important information to help them make safe decisions when they arrive. We value our partnerships with fire departments across our service territory and the coordination between our teams when there is an emergency involving natural gas or electricity."

"On behalf of the Havre Fire Department, thank you to Northwestern Energy for their generous $2,000 contribution toward a gas monitor," said Havre Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Beau Paulsen. "This equipment will help our firefighters identify potential gas hazards and make informed decisions when responding to emergencies. It will strengthen our ability to protect our firefighters as well as the people we serve, making our community safer. We are grateful for Northwestern Energy's support."

The hand-held multi-gas detector detects combustible gases and measures concentrations of oxygen, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. The information it provides can help firefighters and other emergency personnel determine whether it is safe to enter a structure.

NorthWestern Energy works closely with fire departments and other emergency responders throughout our service territory during emergencies involving natural gas and electricity. The donation to the Havre Fire Department will help ensure firefighters have another tool available to protect themselves while responding to potential gas emergencies.

Havre Fire Department Firefighter Jordan Lewis, NorthWestern Energy Community Relations Manager Shane Etzwiler, Havre Fire Department Firefighter Dexter Beck and Havre Fire Department Captain Brice Molitor.

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NorthWestern Energy, provides essential energy infrastructure and valuable services that enrich lives and empower communities while serving as long-term partners to our customers and communities. We work to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors. We do this by providing low-cost and reliable service performed by highly-adaptable and skilled employees. We provide electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 850,300 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. Our operations in Montana and Yellowstone National Park are conducted through our subsidiary, NW Corp, and our operations in South Dakota and Nebraska are conducted through our subsidiary, NWE Public Service. We have provided service in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and in Montana since 2002.

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