We Energies awards $150,000 to improve public safety through Rewarding Responders Grant
Nearly 80 emergency response agencies to receive grants for lifesaving equipment
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MARQUETTE -- The We Energies Foundation has awarded $150,000 in grants to help police, fire and emergency medical services agencies purchase lifesaving equipment and improve safety in communities across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula.
This is the largest donation ever made as part of the foundation's Rewarding Responders Grant program, said Beth Straka, president of the We Energies Foundation.
"We are honored to support the everyday heroes in our communities and their relentless dedication to keeping everyone safe," Straka said. "These grants mean more than just new equipment or one-time training sessions. Their true impact is felt when seconds are saved, damage is prevented and people's lives return to normal because first responders had the tools they needed to prevent serious harm."
The We Energies Foundation offers its Rewarding Responders Grant each year to emergency response agencies that operate in the We Energies service area. Eligible agencies can apply for up to $2,000 in funding through the grant.
The program's grants help police, fire and EMS agencies invest in equipment and training. This year's grants are helping first responders receive dozens of critical tools, from flashlights and fire helmets to automated external defibrillators and thermal imaging cameras.
Grant recipients
The 2026 grant recipients include:
• Amasa Fire Department -- Thermal imaging camera and turnout gear
• Bay Ambulance -- Patient assessment equipment
• Caspian Gaastra Fire Department -- Thermal imaging camera
• City of Crystal Falls Police Department -- Radios
• City of Ishpeming Fire Department -- Automated external defibrillator
• Crystal Falls Township Fire Department -- Thermal imaging camera
• Faithorn Township -- Personal alert safety system
• Kingsford Public Safety Department -- Automated external defibrillator
• Marquette Township Fire and Rescue -- Scene safety and water rescue equipment
• Mid-county Rescue Squad -- Stretcher
• Norway City Police Department -- Taser and rifle optics
• STAR Ambulance -- Radios
Including this year's grants, the We Energies Foundation has donated more than $650,000 to help first responders improve public safety since the program began in 2020.