We Energies is helping the brave individuals who work to keep its communities safe every day by awarding $50,000 to police, fire and emergency medical service agencies across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The company announced funding today to 27 emergency response agencies through its Rewarding Responders Grant.

Earlier today, We Energies formally presented a grant to the Oak Creek Fire Department. The grant will be used to purchase new LED flashlights that can be attached to firefighters’ gear. Other agencies are using the funding to acquire combustible gas detectors, a new automated external defibrillator (AED) and vehicle stabilization equipment. WITI-TV was on hand to capture the announcement.

“Each year, this grant is a chance for us to say thank you to our first responders for their tireless efforts to keep our communities safe,” said Tom Metcalfe, president — We Energies. “We’re proud to support these everyday heroes by providing them the essential tools they need to continue to perform at the highest level.”

The We Energies Foundation provides its Rewarding Responders Grant annually to help emergency response agencies purchase lifesaving equipment or important training for their members.

This year’s recipients are:

  • Athens Area Fire Department — Carbon monoxide detector and training
  • Burlington Fire Department — Vehicle stabilization jacks
  • Caledonia Police Department — Night vision capabilities
  • Cecil Washington Fire Department — Gas detector
  • Germantown Police Department — Automated external defibrillator (AED)
  • Green Valley Morgan Fire Company — SCBA units
  • Hartland Police Department — Leadership training
  • Iron Mountain Fire Department — Portable scene lighting equipment
  • Jefferson Police Department — Thermal imaging device
  • Johnson Creek Fire & EMS — Oximeter
  • Manawa Rural Fire and Ambulance — Fire nozzle replacement
  • Montello Fire Department — Gas detectors
  • Mukwonago Fire Department — Gas detector
  • Neenah Police Department — Tactical emergency medical equipment
  • New Berlin Fire Department — Gas detector
  • Niagara Police Department — Crime scene processing training and camera
  • Oak Creek Fire Department — LED flashlights
  • Oakdale Area Fire Association — Gas detectors
  • Oconto Falls Volunteer Fire Department — Portable emergency lighting
  • Oxford Fire Department — Gas detector
  • Paris Fire and Rescue — Ballistic protective gear and iPad mounts for ambulances
  • Pittsville Fire Department — Thermal imaging camera
  • Somers Fire Department — Gas detector
  • Stratford Area Fire Department — Automated chest compression device
  • Tomah Fire Department — Respirator fit testing machine
  • Watertown Fire Department — Ambulance cot
  • Winchester Fire Department — Self-leveling floating strainer

Grants help hundreds of Wisconsin communities

The Rewarding Responders Grant helps strengthen public safety in communities served by We Energies. To receive a grant, emergency response agencies must operate in the We Energies service area, and must demonstrate the equipment or training they wish to purchase is part of a well-planned public safety initiative. Grants also may be used to fund safety-related projects that are unique, one-time efforts.

More information about the grant.