NORTHWEST, N.J. — Several volunteer fire departments in Warren, Morris and Hunterdon counties are receiving grant funding through New Jersey American Water’s 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program to support emergency response operations and firefighter safety.
The utility company announced it will award approximately $50,000 in grants to 21 volunteer fire and EMS departments statewide to help agencies purchase lifesaving equipment and make operational improvements tailored to local response needs.
Regional recipients include the Three Bridges Volunteer Fire Company in Hunterdon County, the Budd Lake Fire Department in Morris County, and Good Will Fire Co. 1 and the Washington Borough Fire Department in Warren County.
Grant funding will support the purchase of equipment including gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators, thermal imaging cameras and other emergency response tools.
“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.”
New Jersey American Water officials said the program allows departments to address their most immediate operational needs.
“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.”
Since the grant program launched in 2011, New Jersey American Water said it has awarded 353 grants totaling more than $587,500 to 176 volunteer fire departments and emergency response agencies throughout its service areas.
Additional grant recipients this year include departments in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Salem, Somerset and Union counties.
More information about the grant program is available through New Jersey American Water’s website.
