Press Releases
Funding Supports Purchase of Interior Structural Firefighting Gloves to Enhance Firefighter Safety
CAMDEN, N.J. – Sept. 14, 2026 – New Jersey American Water presented Vincent Fire Company No. 1 with a $2,470 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 department will use the funding to purchase interior structural firefighting gloves, providing firefighters with critical protective equipment to safely respond to emergencies and continue serving the community.
Based in Vincentown, Burlington County, Vincent Fire Company has proudly served the community since 1850 and operates as a 100% volunteer organization. In addition to firefighting services, the department responds to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, rescue calls and hazardous materials incidents, helping protect residents throughout the area.
“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, protective 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