Press Releases
Funding Supports Purchase of Critical Firefighter Safety Equipment
CAMDEN, N.J. – Sept. 10, 2026 – New Jersey American Water presented South Egg Harbor Volunteer Fire Company No. 5 with a $2,500 grant through its 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program. The company awarded approximately $50,000 to 21 volunteer fire and emergency medical services departments across its service areas. South Egg Harbor Volunteer Fire Company No. 5 will use the grant to purchase six masks and storage bags for its existing self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA. The equipment will help improve firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities.
“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.”
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, firefighter safety equipment, and other critical lifesaving resources.
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 American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
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