NJ American Water marks 9/11 with $43K in first responder grants (slideshow)

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On Sept. 11, to commemorate the heroism of the 9/11 first responders, New Jersey American Water announced the recipients of its 2023 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program. 

Nineteen volunteer fire and EMS departments within the company’s service areas will receive a total of more than $43,000. The funds will be used to support initiatives and training and/or to purchase upgraded equipment such as gas meters, hoses, emergency lights and more. 

Mark Iannarella, New Jersey American Water’s director of health and safety – and a former volunteer firefighter with the Pennsauken Fire Department – said “safety is paramount” for the Camden-based utility company. 

Describing the first responders as “everyday heroes,” Iannarella added, “These brave men and women work selflessly and tirelessly to safeguard our communities, and we hope these funds will make that task a bit easier.” 

The 2023 Volunteer Firefighter and EMS grant recipients are:

• Eatontown Fire Department, Monmouth County  
• Green Village Volunteer Fire Department, Morris County  
• Hi-Nella Fire Co. No. 1, Camden County  
• Independence Fire Co. No. 1, Burlington County  
• Liberty Corner Fire Co., Somerset County  
• Little Silver Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, Monmouth County  
• Long Branch Fire Department, Monmouth County  
• Marmora Volunteer Fire Co., Cape May County  
• Mendham Township First Aid Squad, Morris County  
• Millburn Short Hills Volunteer First Aid Squad Inc., Essex County  
• Monmouth Beach Fire Co., Monmouth County  
• Montgomery Emergency Medical Services, Somerset County  
• Neshanic Volunteer Fire Co., Somerset County  
• Oceanville Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1, Atlantic County  
• Oxford Volunteer Fire Department, Warren County  
• Relief Fire Co. No. 4, Somerset County  
• Sea Bright Fire Rescue, Monmouth County  
• Strathmere Volunteer Fire Co., Cape May County  
• Watchung Chemical Engine Co., Somerset County

 New Jersey American Water will present checks to departments in attendance at the 2023 New Jersey State Fireman’s Association Convention in Wildwood on Sept. 15. 

The company also recently launched another program aimed at strengthening its communities: Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program, which is now accepting applications. 

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 11:36 a.m. ET Oct. 23, 2023, to include photos of some of the grant recipients.