New Jersey American Water presented Oaklyn Fire Department in Oaklyn, N.J., with a $2,461.20 grant as part of the company’s 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, which awarded about $50,000 to 21 volunteer fire and EMS departments across its service areas. The department will use the funding to purchase 15 Lion Red Zone Particulate Hoods, one case of Safety Suds Bunker Gear Detergent, and two Amerex 2.5-gallon Pressurized Water Extinguishers, helping enhance firefighter personal protection, equipment maintenance, and emergency response capabilities.
“Local first responders understand which tools and resources will have the greatest impact in the communities they serve,” said Kim Schalek Downes, Vice President of Business Development, Government and External Affairs. “Through this program, we’re proud to help departments make those important investments year after year.”
This year’s grants support a variety of initiatives across participating departments, including the purchase of gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators, thermal imaging cameras, firefighter safety equipment, and other critical lifesaving resources.
Since launching the program in 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded 353 grants totaling more than $587,500 to 176 local volunteer fire departments and emergency response units in its service areas. More information about the program is available at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community.
CAPTION: New Jersey American Water presents a $2,461.20 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant to Oaklyn Fire Department. Pictured left to right: Margaret Cruz, Major Accounts Manager, New Jersey American Water; Megan Capobianco, Firefighter, Oaklyn Fire Department; and Chief Greg Grudzinski, Fire Chief, Oaklyn Fire Department.
Learn more about New Jersey American Water’s community impact, here.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.