#United States #Charleston #Fire Department #West Virginia #American Water

West Virginia American Water Expands Support for Local Firefighters

In a significant move to bolster local firefighting efforts, West Virginia American Water has announced the launch of its 2026 Firefighting Support Grant Program. This new initiative is aimed at aiding fire departments across the state through much-needed funding for critical equipment and training programs.

According to Scott Wyman, president of West Virginia American Water, "Fire Departments are on the front lines of protecting communities across our state every day. We're proud to support fire companies and their work with resources that help keep people, essential infrastructure, and community services safe."

Grant Details and Application Process

The grant program will provide financial assistance of up to $1,000 to fire departments and emergency management agencies. Eligible organizations can utilize these funds to tackle various needs, including replacing outdated equipment and enhancing training capabilities, which play a pivotal role in improving local response efforts.

To apply for the grant, interested organizations must submit a letter that includes several key components:

• - A contact name, email address, and phone number.
• - A detailed description of the organization seeking support, including the fire company name, address, and the county of operation.
• - An overview and timeline of the project for which funding is requested.
• - Identification of specific problems or challenges that the proposed project aims to address.
• - The grant amount sought (maximum of $1,000).
• - A summary budget of the project and any other potential funding sources.
• - A completed W-9 form.

For those looking for detailed information on the application process and requirements, the full guidelines can be accessed on the Firefighting Support Grant page of the West Virginia American Water website. Applicants need to ensure their submissions are either emailed or postmarked by August 3. Successful recipients are expected to be notified by August 31.

A Legacy of Support

Since its inception in 2013, West Virginia American Water's Firefighting Support Grant has awarded 185 grants totaling over $157,000, which have provided substantial support to fire departments and emergency management agencies statewide. These funds have enhanced local emergency response capabilities and strengthened community preparedness.

The continued commitment from West Virginia American Water underscores the importance of local fire departments in maintaining safety and preparedness within communities. As the state's largest regulated water utility, it has established a reputable partnership with local agencies, bolstering the efforts of first responders.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the foremost regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. Celebrating 140 years of service in 2026, the company provides safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to about 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations. With a dedicated workforce of about 7,000 professionals, American Water leverages its extensive expertise to deliver exceptional service to its customers and stakeholders.

For more information about the grant program and the services provided, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

About West Virginia American Water

As a subsidiary of American Water, West Virginia American Water is the largest regulated water utility in the state, employing around 300 committed personnel dedicated to delivering reliable water and wastewater services to roughly 610,000 residents. This initiative represents their ongoing dedication to enhancing community safety and service reliability.