Annual program provides critical funding to Missouri fire departments and emergency organizations in the company’s service areas
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — More than $55,000 is being awarded to Missouri fire departments and emergency response organizations through Missouri American Water’s 2023 Firefighter Grant Program. The annual program provides supplemental funding for critical equipment, training, and community education. About 250 grants have been awarded since the program began in 2016.
“As the water provider for one in four Missourians, we understand the role fire protection plays in the overall vitality of the communities we serve,” said Rich Svindland, president of Missouri American Water. “Funding for our local heroes can sometimes run short, and we’re proud to provide grants to provide training and equipment that will enhance the safety of firefighters and first responders throughout the state.”
Reliable water service is critical for fire protection, and Missouri American Water is investing approximately $450 million this year to improve service and reliability. Many older water mains are upsized when replaced, increasing water flow to enhance fire protection. The company also maintains and annually tests 44,000 fire hydrants throughout the company’s footprint.
“Missouri American Water is a great partner to the fire service,” said Eureka Fire Chief Greg Brown. “They work hard to help us protect our communities each day, and the grants they offer fire departments help even more.”
Checks will be distributed to 47 fire departments across Missouri in the coming weeks. The 2023 Fire Fighter Grant Recipients are:
- Berkeley Fire Department
- Black Jack Fire Protection District
- Branson Fire and Rescue
- Brunswick Volunteer Fire Department
- Clayton Fire Department
- Cottleville Community Fire Protection District
- Eureka Fire Protection District
- Ferguson Fire Department
- Florissant Valley Fire Protection
- Frontenac Fire Department
- Garden City Fire Protection District
- Glendale Fire Department
- Hazlewood Fire Department
- Jefferson City Fire Department
- Joplin Fire Department
- Kirkwood Fire Department
- Ladue Fire Department
- Maplewood Fire Department
- Mehlville Fire Protection District
- Metro North Fire Protection District
- Metro West Fire Protection District
- Mid-County Fire Protection District
- Monarch Fire Protection District
- North County Fire and Rescue
- Northeast Ambulance and Fire District
- O’Fallon Fire Protection District
- Olivette Fire Department
- Orrick Fire Protection District
- Pattonville Fire Protection District
- Redings Mill Fire Protection District
- Richmond Heights Fire Department
- Riverside Fire Department
- Robertson Fire Protection District
- Rock Hill Fire Department
- Southern Platte County Fire Protection District
- Southern Stone County Fire Protection District
- Spanish Lake Fire Protection District
- Saint Joseph Fire Department
- Stewartsville Fire Department
- Tri-Cities Fire Protection District
- University City Fire Department
- Valley Park Fire Protection District
- Warrensburg Fire Department
- West County EMS and Fire Protection District
- West Overland EMS and Fire Protection District
- Western Taney County Fire District
- Wood Heights Fire Protection District
Missouri American Water
Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.6 million people. For more, visit missouriamwater.com and follow Missouri American Water on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.