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September 1, 2026
| American Water (NYSE: AWK) |
New Jersey American Water Presents $2,500 Grant to Community Fire Company of Leonardo

  • New Jersey American Water presents a $2,500 Fire and EMS Grant to the Community Fire Company of Leonardo. Pictured from left to right: Dawn Turner, Lead, Major Accounts, New Jersey American Water; John Rodermann, member, Community Fire Company of Leonardo; Steven Bergen, member, Community Fire Company of Leonardo; Douglas Corbet, Former Chief, Community Fire Company of Leonardo; Chris Kelly, President, Community Fire Company of Leonardo; Jack Hueston, Captain, Community Fire Company of Leonardo; Chris Rodermann, member, Community Fire Company of Leonardo; John Wankel, Lieutenant, Community Fire Company of Leonardo; Sean Corbet, Former Captain, Community Fire Company of Leonardo; and Ashley Bromiley, Superintendent, Field Operations, New Jersey American Water.

Funding Supports Purchase of Batteries for Hydraulic Extrication Tools

CAMDEN, N.J. – AUG. 31, 2026 – New Jersey American Water presented the Community Fire Company of Leonardo in Middletown Township, N.J., with a $2,500 grant as part of the company’s 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, which awarded about $50,000 to 21 volunteer fire and EMS departments across its service areas.

The fire company will use the funding to purchase three additional batteries for its battery-operated hydraulic extrication tools. These tools are critical during emergency responses, allowing firefighters to safely and efficiently perform vehicle rescues and extrications. The additional batteries will help ensure the equipment remains operational during extended incidents, enhancing the department’s ability to serve and protect the community.

“This grant is a tremendous help to our fire company operations and is greatly appreciated,” said President Chris Kelly of the Community Fire Company of Leonardo.

This year's grants support a variety of initiatives across participating departments, including the purchase of gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators, thermal imaging cameras, and other critical lifesaving equipment.

“Local first responders understand which tools and resources will have the greatest impact in the communities they serve,” said Kim Schalek Downes, Vice President of Business Development, Government and External Affairs. “Through this program, we’re proud to help departments make those important investments year after year.”

Since launching the program in 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded 353 grants totaling more than $587,500 to 176 local volunteer fire departments and emergency response units in its service areas. More information about the program is available at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community.

Learn more about New Jersey American Water's community impact, here.

About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram. 

New Jersey American Water Media Contact:
Damarah Brown
Sr. External Affairs Specialist
New Jersey American Water
Damarah.Brown@amwater.com