Missouri American Water Awards Nearly $50,000

Missouri American Water will distribute nearly $50,000 to fire departments and emergency response organizations through its 2026 Firefighter Grant Program. Grants will be distributed to 48 fire departments across Missouri this year. Approximately 380 grants have been awarded since the program began in 2016. The funding supports equipment and training for local emergency responders. Missouri American Water is investing nearly $510 million in 2026 to improve service and reliability.

Support For Emergency Response

Reliable water service is critical for fire protection. Missouri American Water maintains and annually tests more than 44,000 fire hydrants across its service footprint, and many older water mains are upsized when they are replaced, increasing water flow to enhance fire protection.

Rich Svindland, president at Missouri American Water, said:

“As a water provider, we recognize the important connection between reliable water infrastructure and effective fire protection. Our Firefighter Grant Program is one more way we support the local departments that help keep our communities safe, helping to ensure they have access to resources that strengthen emergency preparedness and response.”

Radio Batteries For Firefighters

One grant will help a fire department replace six portable-radio batteries. Its portable radios were purchased in 2018.

Fire Chief Aaron Houk said:

“Our portable radios were purchased in 2018, and the batteries are beginning to reach the end of their lifespan. This grant will help us replace six batteries and maintain reliable communications for our firefighters on scenes until we can budget for additional replacements.”

Water And Fire Protection

Missouri American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program began in 2016. The grants help provide critical tools and training that allow departments to respond effectively when residents need them most.