Illinois American Water distributes grant to Elmhurst Fire Department
The Elmhurst Fire Department will be purchasing five new structural firefighting helmets to replace the ones that have been damaged and are past their recommended service life thanks to a grant from Illinois American Water.
These helmets will keep Elmhurst's first responders safe while working in and around extremely dangerous areas where they may be susceptible to injury.
The IAW 2018 Firefighter Grant Program provides financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations serving communities in its service areas.
This year, approximately $77,000 will be awarded to 78 Illinois fire departments.
Since the program was created in 2010, more than 500 grants totaling over $493,000 has been awarded to fire and emergency organizations serving customers in Illinois American Water's service area.
"We are proud to partner with our local firefighters. Illinois American Water tests and operates every fire hydrant annually. We also maintain all of the hydrants, over 29,000 across the state, in our service areas. We know the critical role water plays in protecting homes and businesses and we also know resources for our local heroes often runs short. Through this grant program, we are able to partner on another level and further support our local heroes," said Bruce Hauk, Illinois American Water president.
Illinois American Water's Firefighter Grant Program awards grants to provide personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training materials and classroom programs.
Bill Anaszewicz, Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Elmhurst, thanked Illinois American Water during the check presentation.
"This grant will definitely increase the safety for our members and the community we serve. IAW's dedication to the safety and the assistance you provide fire departments across the United States is greatly appreciated," stated Anaszewicz. "Again, thank you for selecting the Elmhurst Fire Department for this award."
About Illinois American Water - Illinois 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/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly-traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to over 14 million people in 45 states and Ontario, Canada. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.