The John and Melissa Besse Foundation donated $300,000 to area fire and rescue departments, demonstrating their continued commitment to the safety of all Delta County residents.

Greg and Cain Besse, son and grandson (respectively) of John and Melissa Besse, along with Ray Delmont are Directors for the Foundation, with Greg Besse serving as President. The Foundation Directors presented fifteen checks each in the amount of $20,000 to the thirteen fire departments in Delta County and to the Delta County Sheriff Department Dive Team.

Another donation was given to the Goodman Armstrong Rescue Squad, in Goodman, Wisconsin, where Besse Forest Products Group owns and operates a lumber and veneer mill.

A presentation of the donations was held at the John D. Besse Fire Station in Escanaba Township at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 12.