PA American water awards grant to Scranton Fire Department, among many

For over a decade, Pennsylvania American Water has awarded grants to fire and rescue organizations in counties across the state, including the Scranton fire department.

Scranton Fire Chief John Judge said the department appreciates the annual funding, which he estimated to range between $500 and $1,000, which it puts toward water delivery related items such as nozzles, hoses and adapters, in addition to training.

“The Pennsylvania American Water Firefighting Support Grant Program allows our organization to continue developing the resources needed to serve our community more effectively,” said Daniel Hallowich, deputy chief for the Scranton Fire Department, “This support directly enhances our programs and services, creating lasting and positive impacts for our community.”

PA American Water will award $131,000 to 203 fire and rescue organizations in 32 counties, through its 2025 annual Firefighting Support Grant Program, according to a press release.

“Since launching the grant program in 2009, Pennsylvania American Water has contributed more than $1 million to help hundreds of local fire departments purchase emergency gear, life-saving equipment, training materials and essential firefighting apparatus, the release continued.

“Water systems and fire departments work collaboratively to deliver community fire protection, and we are proud to support the dedicated men and women who serve our local fire departments,” said Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Operations Jim Runzer. “For more than 15 years, we’ve offered this grant program as a token of our partnership and our thanks.”

Pennsylvania American Water’s Firefighting Support Grants provide financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations serving communities in the company’s designated service areas. Grants can be used to purchase personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training and related activities/materials used to support community fire protection.

This year’s grant total of $131,000 is an increase from $125,000 in 2024 and $85,000 in 2023, demonstrating the company’s continued strong support of, and collaboration with, local fire departments, the press release concluded.

Other local departments that recieved funding include: Ashley Rescue Hose Company 2, Avoca Hose Company 1, Carbondale Fire Department, Clarks Summit Fire Company 1, Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company, Courtdale Volunteer Hose Company, Dunmore Fire Department, Duryea Fire Department, Eagle Hose Company 1, Edwardsville Fire Department, Excelsior Hose Company 1, Exeter Fire Company, Eynon/Sturges Volunteer Hose Company 3, Fairview Township Fire Department, Fairview Volunteer Fire Department,Forest City Area Emergency Services, Friendship Fire Company 1 of Butler Township, Germania Hose Company, Goodwill Hose Company 1 and 2 of Plymouth, Greenwood Hose Company 1, Hughestown Hose Company 1, Justus Volunteer Fire Company, Kingston Fire Department, Laflin Volunteer Fire Department, Larksville Borough Fire Department, Luzerne Volunteer Fire Department, Moosic Fire Department, Mountaintop Hose Company 1, Nanticoke City Fire Department, Newport Township Consolidated Fire Company, Newton-Ransom Volunteer Fire Company, Old Forge Hose & Engine Company, Olyphant Hose Company 2, Plains Township Fire Department, Taylor Fire Rescue, Trucksville Volunteer Fire & Rescue, West Pittston Hose Company 1, West Wyoming Hose Company 1, Wilkes-Barre Fire Deparment, Wright Township Emergency Management and Wyoming Hose Company 1 and 2.