The We Energies Foundation is putting important new tools in the hands of the men and women who keep our communities safe. The foundation is awarding $100,000 to help local public safety agencies purchase lifesaving equipment.
The funding is part of the We Energies Foundation’s Rewarding Responders Grant program, which supports first responders across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Nearly 60 agencies received grants this year.
“We are honored to support the brave individuals who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe, secure and welcoming,” said Beth Straka, president — We Energies Foundation. “From helping children safely get to school, to providing critical medical care, these grants give first responders the invaluable tools they need to serve our communities.”
Including this year’s grants, the We Energies Foundation has awarded more than $400,000 to help police, fire and emergency medical services agencies strengthen public safety in their communities.
Helping everyday heroes make a lasting impact
The Rewarding Responders Grant is part of We Energies’ ongoing commitment to safety for its employees and communities. The program’s grants help local first responders purchase critical equipment or training that allows their members to improve public safety.
This year’s grant recipients include the West Allis Fire Department, which is using its grant to purchase a new multi-gas detector. The multi-gas detector will help alert firefighters and members of the public about the presence of hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide.
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“It takes an army of community partners to help keep the community safe, and We Energies has been a strong partner with us for many years,” said West Allis Fire Chief Mason Pooler. “We appreciate their support both on the foundation side with this grant and the equipment they’re able to provide, as well as the real time response in emergency situations.”
“I just want to thank the We Energies Foundation for their partnership,” said West Allis Mayor Dan Devine. “This is going to make several departments in our area stronger, and better equipped to deal with their day-to-day operations.”
Grant recipients
The 2024 grant recipients are:
- Allenton Volunteer Fire Department — Auto cribbing and electric vehicle (EV) fire class
- Anson Fire Department — Rescue boat
- Auburndale Joint Fire Department — Thermal imaging camera
- Baldwin Area EMS — Pagers
- Belgium Fire Department — EMS gear coat and pant set
- Belleville Area EMS — Guardian angel safety lights
- Belleville Volunteer Firefighters — Automated external defibrillator (AED)
- Boltonville Volunteer Fire Department — Engine equipment
- Boulder Junction Volunteer Fire Department — AED
- Briggsville Volunteer Fire Department — Fire nozzle replacement
- Caledonia Fire Department — Gas detectors
- Cascade Fire Department — Gas detector and thermal imaging camera
- Center Fire Department — Hose replacement
- City of Burlington Fire Department — EV emergency plugs
- City of Burlington Police Department — Retention holsters
- City of Lake Mills Fire Department — Gas detector
- City of Port Washington Fire Department — Gas detector
- City of West Allis Fire Department — Gas detector
- Clinton Fire Protection District — Gas detector
- Durand Fire Relief Association — Gas detector
- Fall River Fire Department — Gas detector
- Freedom First Responders — Pediatric advanced airway project
- Germantown Police Department — AED
- Grand Chute Fire Department — Gas detector
- Granton Area First Responders — AED
- Green Valley Morgan Fire Co. — Wildfire and electrical fire training and equipment
- Iron County Central Dispatch — AED
- Iron County Sheriff’s Office — AED
- Iron River Police Department — Technology upgrade
- Jackson Fire Department — Gas detector
- Jefferson Fire Department — Gas detectors
- Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department — Fire investigation task force
- Kewaskum Firefighters Association — Gas detector
- Kiel Fire and Rescue — Technical rescue equipment
- Kimberly Fire and Rescue Department — Gas detector
- Kingsford Public Safety Department — Police K-9 training and equipment
- Manawa Rural Fire and Ambulance — Personal protective equipment
- Marquette County Sheriff’s Department — AED
- Marshall Volunteer Fire Department — Scene lighting
- Marshfield Police Department — Sked basic rescue system
- Muscoda EMS — Training manikins
- Nadeau Township — Scene lighting
- Norway City Police Department — SWAT vest
- Richland Center Fire Department — Gas detector
- Rudolph Volunteer Fire Department — Structural firefighting turnout gear
- South Milwaukee Fire Department — EMS manual lift and stair chair
- Spalding Township Fire Department — CPR manikins, mask and supplies
- Stetsonville Volunteer Fire Company — Jaws of Life equipment
- Sullivan Volunteer Fire Department — Gas detector
- Town of Buchanan Fire and Rescue — Gas detector
- Town of East Troy Police Department — Rescue equipment
- Village of Grafton Fire Department — Gas detector
- Village of Lannon Police Department — Speed enforcement equipment
- Village of Mukwonago Police Department — Safety barriers
- Village of Pulaski Police Department — Replacement batteries
- Washington County Sheriff’s Office — Tactical Emergency Medical Services (TEMS) program
- Westfield Fire Department — Gas detector
- Weyauwega Fire Department — Enclosed trailer for educational materials
Legacy of supporting public safety efforts
The We Energies Foundation offers its Rewarding Responders Grant annually as part of its longstanding support of public safety efforts. Since the program began, the grants have helped hundreds of first responders acquire lifesaving equipment or vital training to enhance safety in their communities.
Eligible emergency response agencies can apply for up to $2,000 in funding through the grant program. Agencies may receive a grant if they:
- Operate in the We Energies service area.
- Did not receive a grant during the previous year.
- Complete an online grant application.
- Demonstrate the equipment or training they will acquire is part of a well-planned effort to improve public safety. Grants also may be put toward unique, safety-related projects that are one-time efforts.