Tomahawk Fire Department was awarded funds last year

For the Tomahawk Leader

WISCONSIN — Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) last week announced a grant opportunity for first responders.

“No matter the challenge, first responders work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” WPS stated. “The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation is supporting these courageous men and women by offering $50,000 through its Rewarding Responders Grant to area emergency response agencies.”

WPS explained that the Rewarding Responders Grant assists emergency response agencies with purchasing equipment or training for members.

“These items help strengthen public safety in communities throughout northeast and north central Wisconsin,” WPS noted.

Applications for this year’s grant are being accepted through June 15.

History of the grant

The WPS Foundation has offered its Rewarding Responders Grant since 2014 to support emergency response agencies in communities served by WPS.

“In that time, more than $350,000 has been provided through the grant to help 200 agencies purchase equipment or training to enhance safety in their communities,” WPS said, noting that some of the items purchased through the 2020 grants include hazardous gas detection meters, thermal imaging cameras, fire-resistant clothing for firefighters, and a K-9 officer vehicle transport system.

The Tomahawk Fire Department was among 27 recipients of a WPS Foundation Rewarding Responders Grant in 2020. The department used the grant to purchase new automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

Applying for a grant

WPS said emergency response agencies are eligible to receive a grant if they:

• Operate in the WPS electric or natural gas service area.
• Demonstrate the equipment or training they will acquire is part of a well-planned effort to improve public safety. Grants also may be used for safety-related projects that are unique, one-time efforts.
• Did not receive a grant in 2020.
• Complete an online grant application.

A limited number of grants of up to $2,000 are available to eligible departments, WPS noted.

Interested agencies can apply or learn more about the grant at www.wecenergygroup.com/community/wps-rewarding-responders-grant.htm.