AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Highlights
- Cal Water to award more than $175,000 in grants to seven California fire departments.
- Funds will support critical life-saving equipment, training, and mental wellness initiatives for first responders.
- Grant program continues to grow, tripling its funding since its launch in 2019.
California Water Service has announced the distribution of over $175,000 in grants to seven fire departments across California as part of the utility’s sixth annual Firefighter Grant Program. This initiative aims to support local fire departments in their efforts to provide vital rescue and emergency services, especially in communities served by Cal Water. The program, which has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, is designed to provide financial assistance for equipment, training, and resources to enhance the safety and effectiveness of first responders.
Supporting Firefighters with Critical Resources
"As a water provider, we partner closely with fire departments to ensure they have a reliable supply of water and pressure to keep our communities safe," said Martin A. Kropelnicki, Cal Water Chairman and CEO. "Beyond that, we proudly support our local first responders, because when lives are at stake and minutes matter, we want to help these heroes by providing the equipment and supplies they need."
The grants will be used to fund a variety of initiatives aimed at strengthening fire protection capabilities and enhancing the safety of firefighters. From improving training facilities to providing life-saving equipment, these grants ensure that departments have the resources they need to respond effectively to emergencies. The program has gained significant traction due to the increasing demand for such resources, prompting Cal Water to nearly triple its funding for this year’s grants.
Grant Recipients and Their Impact
The 2024 grants will go to the following departments, based on their unique needs to protect citizens and firefighters:
- Dixon Fire Department – Awarded funding for gear such as ballistics helmets and bullet-proof body armor, designed to protect personnel during active shooter and violent incidents.
- Marysville Fire Department – Received a grant to refurbish a four-story training tower, which is essential for providing continued training for firefighters in the region.
- Northshore Fire Protection District – Granted funds to replace personal protective equipment that is over a decade old, as well as purchase packs to carry vital tools, medical equipment, and fire shelters for wildland fire response.
- Redondo Beach Fire Department – Will use the funds for mental wellness coaching and a training app to help firefighters manage the mental health challenges that come with their high-stress profession.
- Selma Fire Department – Awarded grants to replace portable radios and tactical helmets for use during active shooter and violent incidents, ensuring they can continue to deliver the highest level of care and support.
- Sunnyvale Fire Department – Will receive specialized wildland firefighting personal protective equipment, which is crucial for safeguarding firefighters working in unpredictable wildfire conditions.
- Willows Fire Department – Granted funding to purchase a cardiac EKG monitor, which will enhance the department's ability to provide advanced life support and care for critically ill or injured patients in the community.
A Growing Commitment to First Responders
Since its launch in 2019, the Cal Water Firefighter Grant Program has played a pivotal role in helping local fire departments maintain and improve their resources. The utility’s nearly tripling of funding this year reflects the increasing recognition of the critical role these departments play in safeguarding communities. Cal Water's commitment to supporting local first responders aligns with its broader mission to ensure public safety and community well-being.
These grants not only help fire departments maintain the equipment necessary for responding to emergencies but also underscore the importance of mental health and well-being for first responders, who face extraordinary challenges in their line of duty. By addressing both the physical and emotional needs of firefighters, Cal Water continues to make a positive impact on the communities it serves.
