Key points at a glance:
- Michigan Gas Utilities is providing $10,000 through its Rewarding Responders Grant.
- The funding is helping first responders receive lifesaving equipment or training.
- Grants are part of Michigan Gas Utilities’ focus on enhancing safety.
Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) is giving first responders important new tools to keep their communities safe. The company is awarding $10,000 to help police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies acquire lifesaving equipment and improve safety in communities in southern and western Michigan.
“We are honored to support the everyday heroes in our communities and their relentless dedication to keeping everyone safe,” said Nick Krzeminski, vice president — MGU. “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.”
The funding is part of MGU’s Rewarding Responders Grant program. Including this year’s grants, MGU has now donated more than $100,000 to help first responders improve public safety since the program began in 2015.
Helping first responders enhance safety for everyone
MGU focuses on safety for its employees, customers and communities every day. The company’s Rewarding Responders Grant program supports local first responders by helping them acquire lifesaving equipment or important training to improve public safety.
New lifesaving equipment unveiled
MGU selected the Plainwell Department of Public Safety and Dorr Township Fire Department as two of this year’s grant recipients.
The Plainwell Department of Public Safety used its grant to purchase a new multi-gas detector to help its firefighters quickly detect the presence of hazardous gases during emergency response situations. The Dorr Township Fire Department used its grant to purchase new firefighting clothing and high-visibility safety vests for its firefighters.
“For a smaller public safety agency, community partnerships like this make a meaningful difference in our ability to provide our responders with modern, reliable life safety equipment while being responsible with our community’s resources,” said Kevin Callahan, public safety director — Plainwell Department of Public Safety. “We greatly appreciate MGU investing not only in our department, but in the safety of the community we serve.”
“Safety is my first concern as chief, and the 30 new safety vests we were able to purchase due to this gift are very much needed and appreciated,” said Gary Fordham, fire chief — Dorr Township Fire Department. “As budgets get tighter every year in small townships like ours, these grants are very helpful and very much appreciated to purchase needed equipment.”
Grant recipients
The 2026 grant recipients include:
- Coldwater Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
- Dorr Township Fire Department — Firefighting clothing and safety vests
- London Maybee Raisinville Fire Department — Electric vehicle immobilizing device
- North Adams Fire Department — New firefighting helmets
- Plainwell Department of Public Safety — Multi-gas detector
- Royalton Township Fire Department — Thermal imaging camera
About the Rewarding Responders Grant
MGU offers its Rewarding Responders Grant each year to emergency response agencies that operate in its service area. Eligible agencies can apply for up to $2,000 in funding through the grant.