Bound Brook, Raritan Receive NJ American Water Volunteer Firefighter, EMS Grants

BOUND BROOK/RARITAN, NJ — Bound Brook Fire Department and Raritan Borough are among 21 volunteer fire and EMS departments in New Jersey American Water service areas set to receive grants through the utility’s 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program.

The company announced that about $50,000 in grants will be distributed this year to support firefighter safety, emergency response and lifesaving equipment purchases.

According to New Jersey American Water, the funding is intended to help departments buy equipment and make operational improvements based on local response needs.

The company said this year’s grants will support a range of purchases, including gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators, thermal imaging cameras and other lifesaving equipment.

"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 2011, New Jersey American Water has awarded 353 grants totaling more than $587,500 to 176 local volunteer fire departments and emergency response units in its service areas.

This year’s recipient list spans counties across the state, including Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Essex, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Salem, Somerset, Union and Warren.

More information about the grant program is available at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community.