We Energies: We Energies Foundation awards record $100,000 to help first responders strengthen public safety

Milwaukee – The We Energies Foundation is helping everyday heroes keep their communities safe. This year, the foundation is awarding a record $100,000 to help more than 50 police, fire and other public safety agencies across Wisconsin purchase lifesaving equipment. The funding is part of the We Energies Rewarding Responders Grant program.
 
“We are proud to support the brave individuals who work tirelessly to create a brighter future for our communities,” said Beth Straka, president — We Energies Foundation. “Our first responders race toward danger and distress, putting others’ safety ahead of their own lives every day. We’re honored to help provide these vital tools to keep everyone safe.”

Donations that make an invaluable impact
Since 2020, the We Energies Foundation has donated $200,000 through its Rewarding Responders Grant program. More than 100 police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) departments across Wisconsin have received grants of up to $2,000 to improve public safety in their communities.

This year’s recipients include the Wauwatosa Fire Department, City of Burlington Fire Department, City of Muskego Fire Department, City of Oak Creek Police Department, Lake Country Fire and Rescue, Village of Fox Point Police Department, Village of Grafton Fire Department, Village of Greendale Fire Department, Village of Mukwonago Fire Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. All 10 departments received their grants and equipment during an unveiling ceremony Tuesday.

Improving safety with important tools
The full list of southeast Wisconsin recipients includes:
 Beechwood Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
Bloomfield – Genoa City Fire & Rescue — Air monitoring equipment
Butler Volunteer Fire Department — Automated external defibrillator (AED)
Caledonia Fire Department — Coldwater rescue suits and helmets
City of Burlington Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
City of Muskego Fire Department — Thermal imaging camera
City of Oak Creek Police Department — Thermal imaging camera
Iron Ridge Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
Lake Country Fire & Rescue — Multi-gas detectors
Mequon Police Department — AED
Merton Community Fire Department — Thermal imaging camera
Rochester Volunteer Firefighters Association — Radio integration equipment
Saukville Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
Silver Creek Volunteer Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
Sullivan Volunteer Fire Department — Thermal imaging camera
Troy Center Fire Department — Positive pressure fan
Village of Fox Point Police Department — Scene lighting equipment
Village of Grafton Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
Village of Greendale Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
Village of Hartland Fire Department — Replacement boots and helmets
Village of Mukwonago Police Department — AED
Waldo Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
Washington County Sheriff’s Office — Scene lighting equipment
Wauwatosa Fire Department — Ballistic protection for rescue task force
Wind Lake Volunteer Fire Company — Thermal imaging cameras 

The We Energies Foundation offers its Rewarding Responders Grants annually to enhance public safety. Each emergency response agency can apply for up to $2,000 in funding. They are eligible to receive a grant if they:Operate in the We Energies service areas.Complete an online grant application.Demonstrate the equipment or training they will acquire is part of a well-planned effort to improve public safety. Grants also may be put toward unique, safety-related projects that are one-time efforts. 
Learn more about the grant.