WPS, We Energies charitable foundations award lifesaving grants to Green Bay Metro & Appleton Fire Department
Green Bay — The charitable foundations of Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) and We Energies are marking a milestone year in helping local first responders improve public safety. On Thursday, Aug. 31, the foundations will unveil new lifesaving equipment for Green Bay and Appleton firefighters as part of their 2023 Rewarding Responders Grant programs.
The Rewarding Responders Grant program is in its 10th year of supporting local police, fire and emergency medical services agencies. In total, the WPS and We Energies foundations are donating a record $180,000 this year to help strengthen public safety in communities across Wisconsin.
The Green Bay Metro Fire Department and the Appleton Fire Department are receiving $2,000 each from the foundations to help with the purchase of critical safety tools for their members.
Green Bay Metro Fire Department is using its grant to install four life preserver rings and holders in strategic locations near waterways. The rings can be quickly accessed by firefighters and all community members in case of an emergency. The Appleton Fire Department is using its grant to purchase vital medical training equipment to enhance their medical response capabilities to the highest level of pre-hospital care. This equipment will allow firefighters to provide efficient and effective care to the members of the community.
The Rewarding Responders Grant program began in 2014. Since then, more than $800,000 in grants have helped more than 350 individual departments with public safety efforts in their communities.