Local Fire Departments Selected to Receive We Energies Foundation Grant

Thursday, August 27th, 2026 -- 12:01 PM

The We Energies Foundation is strengthening its commitment to first responders with $150,000 in grants to help police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies purchase lifesaving equipment and improve safety in communities across Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

This is the largest donation ever made as part of the foundation’s Rewarding Responders Grant program.

The 2026 grant recipients include:

• Auburndale Fire Department — Extrication equipment
• Chili Fremont Fire and Rescue — Fire gloves and hoods
• City of Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
• Neillsville Fire Department — Thermal imaging camera

“We are honored to support the everyday heroes in our communities and their relentless dedication to keeping everyone safe,” said Beth Straka, president of We Energies Foundation. “These grants mean more than just new equipment or one-time training sessions. Their true impact is felt when seconds are saved, damage is prevented and people’s lives return to normal because first responders had the tools they needed to prevent serious harm.”

Including this year’s grants, the We Energies Foundation has now donated more than $650,000 to help first responders improve public safety since the program began in 2020.

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