For the Tomahawk Leader
NORTHERN WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation recently awarded $75,000.00 in grant funds to area public safety agencies.
A release from WPS said the grants will be used to purchase lifesaving equipment.
The funding is part of the WPS Foundation’s Rewarding Responders Grant Program, which supports first responders across northeast and north central Wisconsin.
“The Rewarding Responders Grant is part of the ongoing commitment of WPS to safety for its employees and communities,” WPS stated.
Among this year’s grant recipients is the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, which will use its funding allocation to purchase two thermal imaging cameras and retractable lanyards to assist firefighters with situational awareness at emergency scenes.
Other grant recipients and the equipment they will purchase are as follows:
- Crandon Fire Department — Water rescue suits.
- Minocqua Police Department — Upgraded emergency response kits for officers.
- Oneida County Public Safety Dive Team — Face masks for rescue divers.
- Rhinelander Police Department — Aerial drone with thermal imaging camera.
- Sugar Camp Fire Department — Automated external defibrillator (AED).
- Vilas County Sheriff’s Office — Thermal imaging device.
- Woodruff Fire Department — Gas detectors.
“We are honored to support the brave individuals who work tirelessly to keep our neighborhoods safe, secure and welcoming,” said Beth Straka, President of the WPS Foundation. “From helping children safely get to school to providing critical medical care, these grants give first responders the invaluable tools they need to serve our communities.”
Including this year’s grants, the WPS Foundation has awarded more than $600,000.00 to help police, fire and emergency medical services agencies strengthen public safety in their communities.
The WPS Foundation offers its Rewarding Responders Grant annually. Since the program began, the grants have helped 211 individual agencies acquire lifesaving equipment or vital training to enhance safety in their communities, according to the release.
Eligible emergency response agencies can apply for up to $2,000.00 in funding through the grant program.
Agencies may receive a grant if they operate in the WPS service area; did not receive a grant during the previous year; complete an online grant application; and demonstrate the equipment or training they will acquire is part of a well-planned effort to improve public safety.
Grants also may be put toward unique, safety-related projects that are one-time efforts, WPS noted.
Learn more about the grant at www.wecenergygroup.com/community/wps-rewarding-responders-grant.htm.