GALLOWAY, NJ — South Egg Harbor Volunteer Fire Company No. 5 has received a $2,500 grant from New Jersey American Water through the utility's 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, according to a company announcement issued Sept. 10.
The grant will be used to purchase six masks and storage bags for the department's existing self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA. According to the announcement, the equipment is intended to improve firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities.
New Jersey American Water announced the award from Camden and said it provided about $50,000 to 21 volunteer fire and emergency medical services departments across its service areas this year. The company said the 2026 grants are supporting a range of purchases and projects, including gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators, thermal imaging cameras, firefighter safety equipment and other lifesaving resources.
"Local first responders understand which tools and resources will have the greatest impact in the communities they serve," said Kim Schalek Downes, Vice President of Business Development, Government and External Affairs. "Through this program, we're proud to help departments make those important investments year after year."
According to the company, the grant program has been running since 2011. Since then, 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.
More information about the Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program is available at www.newjerseyamwater.com/community.
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