The Community Fire Company of Leonardo in Middletown Township has received a $2,500 grant from New Jersey American Water to help upgrade its emergency response equipment.
The funding is part of the utility company’s 2026 Volunteer Fire and EMS Grant Program, which distributed roughly $50,000 across 21 volunteer emergency services departments in its service areas. The Leonardo fire company will use the contribution to purchase three additional batteries for its battery-operated hydraulic extrication tools, ensuring critical equipment stays powered during extended vehicle rescue operations.
“This grant is a tremendous help to our fire company operations and is greatly appreciated,” President Chris Kelly of the Community Fire Company of Leonardo, said.
Launched in 2011, the annual grant program has provided more than $587,500 through 353 grants to 176 local volunteer fire departments and emergency response units across the state. This year’s cycle supports a range of life-saving initiatives, from defibrillators and thermal imaging cameras to gas detectors and rescue gear.
“Local first responders understand which tools and resources will have the greatest impact in the communities they serve,” Kim Schalek Downes, vice president of Business Development, Government and External Affairs at New Jersey American Water, said. “Through this program, we’re proud to help departments make those important investments year after year.”
