NJ American Water Gives Leonardo Fire Company $2,500

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Monday, New Jersey American Water gave Community Fire Company of Leonardo a $2,500 grant as part of the company's 2026 volunteer fire and EMS grant program.

The Leonardo firehouse said it will use the money to purchase more batteries for its battery-operated hydraulic extrication tools.

Subscribe

These tools are critical during emergency responses, and allow firefighters to perform vehicle rescues and extract people trapped in cars.

"This grant is a tremendous help to our fire company operations and is greatly appreciated," said President Chris Kelly of the Leonardo Community Fire Company.

NJ American Water gave a total of $50,000 in grants to 21 volunteer fire houses and EMS departments across its service areas.

Firehouses and EMS squads will use the money to purchase gas leak detectors, gas meters, defibrillators, thermal imaging cameras, and other critical lifesaving equipment.

"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 for NJ American Water. "Through this program, we're proud to help departments make those important investments year after year."

Since launching the program in 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.