Smithfield Foods Inc., John Morrell Inc. and Patrick Cudahy Inc. announced are donating $50,000 to the Cudahy, Wis., Fire Department in appreciation of the work by the city's firefighters in battling the fire at the Patrick Cudahy plant in 2009.

The Cudahy Fire Department is considering using the money to purchase a mobile command center that can be used to coordinate public safety assets during emergencies. A check presentation was made Monday afternoon at the Cudahy Fire Department's Fire Station No. 2.

"I would like to extend my thanks again to the Cudahy Fire Department and all of the other public safety personnel from around southeastern Wisconsin and neighboring states who responded so quickly and professionally to the fire at our plant," said Larry Pope, president and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods. "And I also want to thank the citizens of Cudahy, and our fellow business people, for all of their support during that difficult time.”

"We are truly indebted to the Cudahy firefighters and all of the other fine public servants from more than 64 fire and police departments who worked tirelessly to save a local tradition," said Bill Otis, president and chief operating officer of Patrick Cudahy. "Because of their expertise, bravery and hard work, no one was injured during the fire at our plant nearly two years ago. And we're so very grateful for that."

Cudahy Mayor Tony Day thanked Smithfield Foods and Patrick Cudahy "for their longstanding commitment to our city. Patrick Cudahy has been providing good jobs for generations of our citizens, and the company has been a vital and active member of our community since it located here in 1892."

Patrick Cudahy is a subsidiary of John Morrell. Both are part of the Smithfield Foods family of companies.

Source: Smithfield Foods Inc.