Without this grant, the City would likely have been unable to afford the device. And without Korey’s guidance and support, I may not have known about the LUCAS device or been able to submit such a compelling grant application.”

Nicole Pilgrim, City Administrator

The City of Stanley received a $21,000 grant on behalf of the Stanley Fire & EMS Departments to acquire a LUCAS device, a critical piece of life-saving equipment used during cardiac emergencies. The funding was made possible in large part thanks to the efforts of former Fire Chief Korey Hagenson and current City Administrator Nicole Pilgrim, who worked closely together to secure the grant.
The LUCAS device (short for Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System) delivers consistent, high-quality chest compressions during CPR. Designed to assist first responders in critical situations, it helps maintain blood circulation to the brain and other vital organs, especially when manual compressions may be difficult to sustain during long transports or in challenging environments. A LUCAS device typically costs between $15,000 and $20,000, depending on the model and any additional accessories or service packages included—making grant funding essential for many smaller communities.
The grant process began in January 2024, when Hagenson and Pilgrim met to discuss the needs of the city’s emergency services. Hagenson emphasized that a LUCAS device would be one of the most beneficial tools for use across police, fire, and EMS departments. Pilgrim began researching funding opportunities and discovered the Gary Sinise Foundation, which supports first responders by providing life-saving equipment that may otherwise be financially out of reach. With Hagenson’s assistance on the appropriate grant language, Pilgrim submitted the application at the end of January. On May 6, 2025, she received a call from the foundation confirming that Stanley had been awarded $21,000 to purchase the device. In coordination with the Stryker team, training sessions have been scheduled to ensure that all emergency personnel—regardless of department—are properly trained to use the device. Training will take place June 26 at 12:00 PM at City Hall and June 30 at 7 PM at the Stanley Fire Station.
“This device has proven to be lifesaving- not only for patients but also for the officers, medical providers, EMTs, and first responders who use it,” said Pilgrim. “Without this grant, the City would likely have been unable to afford the device. And without Korey’s guidance and support, I may not have known about the LUCAS device or been able to submit such a compelling grant application.”
The addition of the LUCAS device will help ensure faster, more effective treatment for cardiac arrest victims in the Stanley area and could play a vital role in improving survival outcomes in the community.
As Pilgrim officially presented the device to members of the Stanley Fire Department at the June 16th meeting, she remarked, “There’s your lifesaver.”