Missouri American Water is now accepting applications for its annual Firefighter Grant Program, with a deadline of August 31, 2024.
As reported by Missouri American Water, this program offers financial assistance to fire protection and emergency response organizations within the company’s service area.
Grants of up to $1,200 are available to cover the costs of essential firefighting tools, equipment, personal protective gear, and training.
Last year, the program awarded more than $55,000 across the state, and since its inception in 2016, over 200 grants have been distributed.
Uniformed professional and volunteer fire departments serving communities within Missouri American Water’s service territories are eligible to receive funding.
Each fire department or protection district can apply for one grant per calendar year.
The grants can be used for a variety of needs, including firefighting tools, water handling equipment, personal protective gear, communications equipment, and training activities and materials.
Applications can be submitted online through the Missouri American Water website by navigating to News & Community > Community Involvement > Firefighter Grant Program and completing the required questionnaire and documentation.
Missouri American Water emphasizes the importance of supporting local fire services.
Rich Svindland, president of Missouri American Water, stated: “As the water provider for about one in four Missourians, we continually invest in upgrading our water system to enhance service and reliability, so water is available when our customers and firefighters need it.
“The Firefighter Grant Program is one more way we can strengthen the partnerships we have with local fire districts and support their important work to protect our community.”
Fire Chief Greg Brown also praised the program, saying: “Missouri American Water is a great partner to the fire service.
“They work hard to help us protect our communities each day, and the grants they offer fire departments help even more.”
Fire departments and districts interested in the grant program must submit their applications by August 31, 2024.
Detailed information on the application process and eligibility criteria is available on the Missouri American Water website.
Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of this funding opportunity, which aims to enhance the capabilities and safety of fire protection services across Missouri.
