#United States #Camden #New Jersey American Water #Volunteer Grants #Firefighter Support

New Jersey American Water Allocates Grants to Local Fire and EMS Departments

In an effort to bolster community safety and emergency response capabilities, New Jersey American Water has announced the allocation of approximately $50,000 in grants to support 21 local volunteer fire and emergency medical services (EMS) departments across its service areas. This funding is aimed at enhancing the safety of firefighters and improving emergency response through the procurement of lifesaving equipment and operational improvements tailored to the needs of local responders.

The announcement, made on May 21, 2026, highlighted the importance of these grants in addressing the unique challenges faced by volunteer departments in their respective communities. As Andrew J. Welsh, chief of the Bay Head Fire Department, noted, the grant received in 2025 significantly impacted their department, allowing them to purchase two essential thermal imaging cameras to enhance operational readiness and firefighter safety. This emphasis on adaptable solutions is at the heart of the grant program's design.

Kim Schalek Downes, the vice president of Business Development, Government and External Affairs at New Jersey American Water, remarked, "Every department knows its own needs best, and this program is designed to help local responders invest in the tools that will make the biggest difference in their communities."

Grants Supporting Diverse Initiatives

This year’s conferred grants will support a range of vital initiatives, including the acquisition of gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators, thermal imaging cameras, and other crucial lifesaving equipment. The recipients for the 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program span multiple counties, showcasing the diverse needs and approaches across New Jersey:

• - Atlantic County: Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company, South Egg Harbor Volunteer Fire Company No. 5
• - Burlington County: Riverside Fire Company No. 1, Vincent Fire Co. 1
• - Camden County: Magnolia Ambulance Corps, Oaklyn Fire Department
• - Cape May County: Upper Township
• - Essex County: South Orange Fire Department
• - Hunterdon County: Three Bridges Volunteer Fire Company
• - Middlesex County: Jamesburg Fire Department
• - Monmouth County: Community Fire Company of Leonardo, River Plaza Hose Company #1, Township of Middletown EMS Department
• - Morris County: Budd Lake Fire Department
• - Salem County: Quinton Fire Company, Salem Fire Department
• - Somerset County: Bound Brook Fire Department, Raritan Borough
• - Union County: Garwood Fire Department
• - Warren County: Good Will Fire Co. 1, Washington Borough Fire Department

Since the inception of the grant program in 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded a total of 353 grants worth over $587,500 to various local volunteer fire departments and emergency response units, underlining the utility's long-standing commitment to enhancing community safety and support for public service.

A Noble Commitment to Community

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE AWK), prides itself on being the largest regulated water utility in the state, serving approximately 3 million residents with dependable water and wastewater services. Their continuous investment in community safety through grants and other initiatives exemplifies a meaningful commitment to supporting those who serve on the front lines during emergencies.

To learn more about the grant program and view additional details, visit New Jersey American Water's community page. Through such initiatives, New Jersey American Water strives to sustain a collaborative approach in fostering resilient and well-equipped volunteer emergency response teams throughout New Jersey.