Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) is celebrating a memorable milestone in helping first responders keep their communities safe. MGU is awarding $10,000 to public safety agencies across southern Michigan as part of its 10th annual Rewarding Responders Grant program.
“We are honored to help first responders keep our communities safe and secure,” said Mike Baker, vice president — MGU. “From helping people remain safe in hazardous situations to providing critical medical care, these grants give first responders the invaluable tools they need to serve our communities.”
Decade of helping everyday heroes make a difference
The Rewarding Responders Grant program is part of MGU’s ongoing commitment to safety for its employees and communities. The program helps local police, fire and emergency medical services agencies purchase critical equipment or training to improve public safety.
This year’s grant recipients include the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, which is using its grant to purchase new thermal imaging cameras. The new thermal imaging cameras will allow firefighters to better search for people in a fire, identify where a fire has spread or locate missing individuals during poor visibility conditions.
“We are extremely grateful to receive this grant. Without it, we would not be able to obtain these important devices,” said Brian Kazmierzak, deputy director of fire services — Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety. “We rely on community partnerships to help us complete important projects like acquiring our thermal imaging cameras. We truly appreciate the support from Michigan Gas Utilities.”
Including this year’s grants, MGU has now awarded more than $85,000 through the program to help first responders in southern and western Michigan strengthen public safety in their communities.
Grant recipients
The 2024 grant recipients include:
- Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety — Thermal imaging cameras
- Colon Community Fire and Rescue Department — Gas detector
- Luna Pier Volunteer Fire Department — Automated external defibrillator units
- Ottawa Lake-Whiteford Fire Department — Gas detector and high-visibility vests
- Sodus Township Fire Department — Thermal imaging camera
Legacy of supporting public safety efforts
MGU offers its Rewarding Responders Grant program annually to enhance public safety in the communities it serves. Eligible emergency response agencies can apply for up to $2,000 in funding through the grant program.
Agencies may receive a grant if they:
- Operate in the MGU service area.
- Did not receive a grant during the previous year.
- Complete an online grant application.
- 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.