New Jersey American Water Announces 2026 Volunteer Firefighter and EMS Grant Recipients

New Jersey American Water (AWK) announced that 21 volunteer fire and EMS departments in its New Jersey service areas will share about $50,000 in 2026 grants.

Rhea-AI Summary

New Jersey American Water (AWK) announced that 21 volunteer fire and EMS departments in its New Jersey service areas will share about $50,000 in 2026 grants. Funds will support firefighter safety, emergency response, and lifesaving equipment such as gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators and thermal imaging cameras.

Since 2011, the program has awarded 353 grants totaling more than $587,500 to 176 local departments. More information is available at newjerseyamwater.com/community.

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News Market Reaction – AWK

On May 21, the day this news came out, AWK closed 1.24% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the May 21 session.

Market Context

This announcement highlights New Jersey American Water’s ongoing community engagement, directing abo...

Analysis

This announcement highlights New Jersey American Water’s ongoing community engagement, directing about $50,000 in 2026 grants to 21 volunteer fire and EMS departments. Since 2011, the company has awarded 353 grants totaling more than $587,500 to 176 departments, supporting safety equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, gas leak detectors and defibrillators. In the broader context of recent large capital investment and financing updates, this program underscores a parallel focus on local emergency response and public safety alongside core utility operations.

Key Figures

Departments receiving grants: 21 departments 2026 grant total: about $50,000 Thermal imaging cameras: 2 cameras +3 more

Departments receiving grants

21 departments

2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program

2026 grant total

about $50,000

Grants to 21 New Jersey volunteer fire and EMS departments

Thermal imaging cameras

2 cameras

Purchased with 2025 grant for Bay Head Fire Department

Total grants awarded

353 grants

Program activity since 2011

Lifetime grant value

more than $587,500

Total awarded since 2011

Departments supported historically

176 departments

Local volunteer fire and emergency response units since 2011

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 20

5 events

1. May 20

   2026 CA investments

   24h Move

   -0.8%

   Announced about $277 million in 2026 California water and wastewater projects.

2. May 20

   Drought conservation

   24h Move

   -0.8%

   Provided conservation tips amid statewide drought warning and mandatory notice.

3. May 19

   Bellflower upgrade

   24h Move

   -0.8%

   Completed $4 million main replacement and system upgrades in Bellflower.

4. May 18

   IL 2026 capex plan

   24h Move

   +0.4%

   Outlined $290 million 2026 Illinois investments and $570 million through 2027.

5. May 18

   PA tank upgrades

   24h Move

   +0.4%

   Announced $17.8 million tank program and highlighted 2025 spend and jobs supported.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

thermal imaging cameras, defibrillators, gas leak detectors, gas meters

4 terms

thermal imaging cameras technical

"It helped us purchase two thermal imaging cameras, which allow for faster..."

Thermal imaging cameras are devices that detect and convert invisible heat (infrared radiation) into a visible image so you can 'see' temperature differences, like a night-vision camera for heat. Investors care because these cameras are used across many industries—building inspection, manufacturing maintenance, security, healthcare and automotive—and widespread adoption can drive sales, recurring service revenue and help companies cut costs or meet safety and regulatory requirements.

defibrillators medical

"including the purchase of gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators, thermal..."

A defibrillator is a medical device that delivers a controlled electric shock to the heart to stop dangerous irregular rhythms and restore a normal beat, like jump-starting a stalled engine. For investors, demand for defibrillators reflects hospital and emergency-care spending, regulatory approval pathways, and adoption of new technologies; changes in those areas can affect sales, recurring service revenue, and a company’s growth prospects.

gas leak detectors technical

"This year's grants will support... the purchase of gas leak detectors, gas meters..."

Gas leak detectors are devices that sense the presence of combustible, toxic, or otherwise hazardous gases and alert operators so leaks can be fixed quickly. Like a smoke alarm for gas, they protect people, property, and production lines; for investors they signal a company’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, can reduce risk of costly shutdowns, fines or lawsuits, and influence operating costs and insurance premiums.

gas meters technical

"This year's grants will support... the purchase of gas leak detectors, gas meters..."

Gas meters are devices that measure how much natural gas a customer uses, like a car odometer that records miles driven but for fuel flow. They matter to investors because meter readings determine utility revenue, influence billing accuracy, and can affect operating costs and regulatory compliance; upgrades to smart meters can also change growth prospects by enabling remote readings, theft detection, and better demand management.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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21 Departments to Receive about $50,000 in Grants

CAMDEN, N.J., May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey American Water announced today that 21 volunteer fire and EMS departments in its service areas will receive about $50,000 in grants to support firefighter safety, emergency response and lifesaving equipment purchases. Funding from grants will help departments buy equipment and make operational improvements tailored to the local response needs.

"The grant we received in 2025 had a significant impact on our department," said Andrew J. Welsh, chief of the Bay Head Fire Department. "It helped us purchase two thermal imaging cameras, which allow for faster, more informed command decisions and strengthen overall firefighter safety, operational readiness, and emergency response capabilities."

"Every department knows its own needs best, and this program is designed to help local responders invest in the tools that will make the biggest difference in their communities," said Kim Schalek Downes, vice president of Business Development, Government and External Affairs. "We're proud to support that work year after year."

This year's grants will support a variety of initiatives across participating departments, including the purchase of gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators, thermal imaging cameras, and other critical lifesaving equipment.

The 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program recipients are:

Atlantic County
Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company
South Egg Harbor Volunteer Fire Company No. 5 of Galloway Township, N.J., Inc.
Burlington County
Riverside Fire Company No. 1
Vincent Fire Co. 1
Camden County
Magnolia Ambulance Corps, Inc.
Oaklyn Fire Department
Cape May County 
Upper Township
Essex County 
South Orange Fire Department
Hunterdon County 
Three Bridges Volunteer Fire Company
Middlesex County
Jamesburg Fire Department
Monmouth County
Community Fire Company of Leonardo
River Plaza Hose Company #1
Township of Middletown EMS Department
Morris County 
Budd Lake Fire Department
Salem County 
Quinton Fire Company
Salem Fire Department
Somerset County 
Bound Brook Fire Department
Raritan Borough
Union County 
Garwood Fire Department
Warren County 
Good Will Fire Co. 1
Washington Borough Fire Department

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.

About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK),  is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 875 dedicated employees working to provide 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.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-jersey-american-water-announces-2026-volunteer-firefighter-and-ems-grant-recipients-302779279.html

SOURCE American Water

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did New Jersey American Water (AWK) announce about the 2026 firefighter and EMS grants?

New Jersey American Water announced about $50,000 in 2026 grants for 21 volunteer fire and EMS departments. According to New Jersey American Water, the funding will support firefighter safety, emergency response, and purchases of critical lifesaving equipment tailored to each department’s local response needs.

How many departments will receive New Jersey American Water 2026 grants and for what purpose?

Twenty-one volunteer fire and EMS departments will receive 2026 grants from New Jersey American Water. According to New Jersey American Water, these grants help departments buy gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators, thermal imaging cameras and other equipment, and make operational improvements that support local emergency response.

How much funding has New Jersey American Water awarded through its firefighter and EMS grant program since 2011?

Since 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded more than $587,500 through its firefighter and EMS grant program. According to New Jersey American Water, this funding comes from 353 grants provided to 176 local volunteer fire departments and emergency response units across its New Jersey service areas.

Which types of equipment can New Jersey American Water 2026 grants help fire and EMS departments purchase?

The 2026 grants can help departments purchase gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators and thermal imaging cameras. According to New Jersey American Water, funds may also support other critical lifesaving equipment and targeted operational improvements that improve firefighter safety and overall emergency response capabilities in local communities.

Where can departments find more information on New Jersey American Water’s firefighter and EMS grant program?

Departments can find more information on the grant program at newjerseyamwater.com/community. According to New Jersey American Water, this site provides details about the Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, eligibility, past support, and community-focused initiatives across the company’s New Jersey service areas.