RWA Awards $17K in Grants to Emergency Service Agencies In Observance of National First Responders Day

NORTH BRANFORD, CT —In recognition of National First Responders Day, the Regional Water Authority is announcing approximately $17,000 in grants to fire departments, ambulance companies, and emergency service organizations across its territory.

The North Branford Fire Department is among them.

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The RWA is providing the funding through its Emergency Responder Grant Program, which it launched in 2024 to support volunteer and professional first responders serving local communities. The grants will help these agencies purchase critical equipment, training tools, and other resources that strengthen emergency preparedness and improve public safety.

"Strong communities depend on strong partnerships," said RWA Police Capt. Paul Ruggiero. "Our local fire departments, EMS providers, and emergency responders are trusted partners who often work side by side with us in the field, serving and protecting our residents every day. We're honored to support their work through this grant program and help provide resources that make a meaningful difference in the field."

Now in its third year, the grant program continues to gain momentum. Applications have nearly tripled since the program was introduced in 2024. Including this year's awards, the RWA has distributed more than $47,000 in grants to emergency service agencies across the region.

In addition to 16 others, the NBFD was awarded $1,000 in funding. The award is for a firehouse training simulation dummy.

The following agencies were selected in 2026 to receive $1,000 grants, which will support a variety of emergency readiness needs:

• Volunteer Fire Department of Prospect: Emergency pagers to provide reliable call notifications and allow members to monitor critical radio communications.
• Seymour Fire Department: Water supply adapters and other equipment needed to support fire service in areas of town not served by hydrants.
• Guilford Fire Department: Slow-close hydrant valves to protect firefighters and water utility infrastructure.
• Orange Volunteer Fire Department: Vehicle extrication equipment.
• Madison Ambulance Association: Specialized stretchers to safely transport people from areas with unstable ground, such as beaches and marshes, to an ambulance.
• Branford Fire Department: Fuel pads and safety glasses for fuel and oil cleanup responses.
• Milford Fire Department: Vertical ventilation equipment to support fire response in multi-story structures.
• Town of East Haven Fire Department: Cold-water rescue suits for deployment during water emergencies.
• Ansonia Fire Department: Equipment to safely secure, stabilize and reposition vehicles involved in motor-vehicle accidents.
• West Haven Fire Department: A handheld sonar device for locating submerged victims during water emergencies.
• Paugussett Hook & Ladder Co. 4 (Derby Volunteer Fire Department): Electronic vehicle immobilizer to safely lock out electric and hybrid vehicles during emergencies.
• City of New Haven Fire Department: Specialized recovery cradle to support marine rescue and recovery operations.
• Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Department: Gas meters to detect carbon monoxide and oxygen levels to increase first-responder safety during calls.
• North Haven Community Emergency Response Team: High-visibility cold-weather emergency responder apparel.
• North Branford Fire Department: Firehouse training simulation dummy.
• North Madison Volunteer Fire Co.: Equipment to support off-road rescue and emergency operations in remote areas.
• Hamden Fire Department: Educational materials and community outreach resources to support its new Community Risk Reduction initiative.

The RWA is in the process of notifying grant recipients, and an RWA representative will present checks to each agency in person.

To learn more about the grant program, go to https://www.rwater.com/about-us/in-the-community/first-responder-grants/.

About the Regional Water Authority

The Regional Water Authority (RWA) is a locally governed, not-for-profit water authority providing water service to more than 430,000 people in 15 municipalities across Connecticut. Based in New Haven, Connecticut, the RWA is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of one of the state's largest water systems. Through local governance, operational expertise, and continued investment in critical infrastructure, RWA is committed to delivering safe, reliable water service to the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.rwater.com.