Keith Carson will never forget the day that the Ely Volunteer Fire Department's team of first responders saved his employee's life.

Sierra Pacific Resources and Carson Unlimited recently teamed up to help replace the Ely Volunteer Fire Department’s first responder vehicle. Carson Unlimited owner Keith Carson, Fire Chief Ross Rivera, Ely Energy Center Community Representative Charlie Basso, Ely Mayor Jon Hickman, Dale Heckethorn, Ely City Clerk Jim Alworth and Ely Assistant Fire Chief Mike Peterson are pictured.

In 2001, a cave-in at Carson's business trapped the man. As Carson Unlimited crews struggled to rescue him, 26 volunteers from the fire department arrived on the scene. Within a matter of minutes, they had freed the employee.

“It was the most heartwarming thing I've ever seen,” Carson said of the volunteers' response.

Carson returned the favor last week, enlisting the help of Sierra Pacific Resources to replace the department's worn-out first responder vehicle.

Sierra Pacific donated a used truck to replace the 1978 Dodge, while Carson presented Fire Chief Ross Rivera with a check for $2,500.

That money will be used to make modifications to the truck.

Carson first made a commitment to the department last November, when he heard Rivera described problems with its existing fleet of vehicles.

Soon afterwards, Carson contacted Sierra Pacific Vice President of External Affairs Mary Simmons with a suggestion: If Sierra Pacific could help the fire department in any way, Carson Construction would gladly outfit the first responder truck.

Ely Mayor Jon Hickman said Sierra Pacific's act of generosity showed that the company has made a real commitment to the community.

“I think that Sierra Pacific has put a face on what's going on here,” Hickman said.

He also praised Carson and other members of the community who have stepped forward to help the city.

“Every penny and every dollar that people donate to help the community is important,” he said.