Two Morris County First Responder Departments Receive Grants from New Jersey American Water

Marking the anniversary of 9/11, New Jersey American Water allocates over $43,000 to support 19 departments across the state, including two from Morris County.

New Jersey American Water announced the recipients of its 2023 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program yesterday. Among the 19 departments receiving grants are the Green Village Volunteer Fire Department and Mendham Township First Aid Squad in Morris County. A total of over $43,000 in grants will be dispersed to aid various initiatives, training, and equipment upgrades for these critical emergency services.

The Announcement

Made on the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the grant program seeks to honor the bravery and sacrifice of first responders. According to Mark Iannarella, the Director of Health and Safety at New Jersey American Water, "Safety is paramount at New Jersey American Water. We hope these funds will make [the task of safeguarding communities] a bit easier."

Who Gets What in Morris County

The Green Village Volunteer Fire Department and Mendham Township First Aid Squad are among the recipients. Although specific grant amounts were not disclosed, the funding will be used to acquire gas meters, hoses, emergency lights, and other vital rescue equipment, in addition to providing important training courses.

Broader Impact

The 2023 grant program recipients span a diverse geographic range across New Jersey. Checks will be presented to the chosen departments at the 2023 New Jersey State Fireman's Association Convention in Wildwood, NJ, on Friday, September 15, 2023.

A Decade of Support

Since its initiation in 2011, the Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Grant Program has awarded 290 grants, totaling more than $351,000 to 154 local volunteer fire departments and emergency response units throughout New Jersey. This effort underscores New Jersey American Water’s ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of the communities it serves.

The allocation of these grants marks a significant effort to bolster the capabilities of first responders in Morris County and throughout New Jersey. In a world that continues to face unprecedented challenges, this funding serves as an instrumental support to the heroes who risk their lives to protect their communities every day.