Annual program provides critical funding to Missouri fire departments and emergency organizations in the company’s service areas.

More than $55,000 is being awarded to Missouri fire departments and emergency response organizations through Missouri American Water’s 2023 Firefighter Grant Program. The annual program provides supplemental funding for critical equipment, training, and community education. About 250 grants have been awarded since the program began in 2016.

“As the water provider for one in four Missourians, we understand the role fire protection plays in the overall vitality of the communities we serve,” said Rich Svindland, president of Missouri American Water. “Funding for our local heroes can sometimes run short, and we’re proud to provide grants to provide training and equipment that will enhance the safety of fire fighters and first responders throughout the state.”

Reliable water service is critical for fire protection, and Missouri American Water is investing approximately $450 million this year to improve service and reliability. Many older water mains are upsized when replaced, increasing water flow to enhance fire protection. The company also maintains and annually tests 44,000 fire hydrants throughout the company’s footprint.

"Missouri American Water is a great partner to the fire service,” said Eureka Fire Chief Greg Brown. “They work hard to help us protect our communities each day, and the grants they offer fire departments help even more."

Checks will be distributed to 47 fire departments across Missouri in the coming weeks. The 2023 Fire Fighter Grant Recipients are:

Berkeley Fire Department

Black Jack Fire Protection District

Branson Fire and Rescue

Brunswick Volunteer Fire Department

Clayton Fire Department

Cottleville Community Fire Protection District

Eureka Fire Protection District

Ferguson Fire Department

Florissant Valley Fire Protection

Frontenac Fire Department

Garden City Fire Protection District

Glendale Fire Department

Hazlewood Fire Department

Jefferson City Fire Department

Joplin Fire Department

Kirkwood Fire Department

Ladue Fire Department

Maplewood Fire Department

Mehlville Fire Protection District

Metro North Fire Protection District

Metro West Fire Protection District

Mid-County Fire Protection District

Monarch Fire Protection District

North County Fire and Rescue

Northeast Ambulance and Fire District

O’Fallon Fire Protection District

Olivette Fire Department

Orrick Fire Protection District

Pattonville Fire Protection District

Redings Mill Fire Protection District

Richmond Heights Fire Department

Riverside Fire Department

Robertson Fire Protection District

Rock Hill Fire Department

Southern Platte County Fire Protection District

Southern Stone County Fire Protection District

Spanish Lake Fire Protection District

Saint Joseph Fire Department

Stewartsville Fire Department

Tri-Cities Fire Protection District

University City Fire Department

Valley Park Fire Protection District

Warrensburg Fire Department

West County EMS and Fire Protection District

West Overland EMS and Fire Protection District

Western Taney County Fire District

Wood Heights Fire Protection District

Missouri American Water

Missouri American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.6 million people. For more, visit missouriamwater.com and follow Missouri American Water on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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