Missouri American Water Announces Recipients of 2023 Firefighter Grant Program

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

ST. LOUIS, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.