Michigan Gas Utilities provides first responders with lifesaving equipment

Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) is providing vital new tools to the men and women who keep communities safe. MGU is awarding $10,000 to help local first responders purchase lifesaving equipment and strengthen public safety as part of its Rewarding Responders Grant program.

“We are honored to continue our support of public safety agencies and the invaluable impact they make in our communities every day,” said Nick Krzeminski, vice president — MGU. “The important tools we help provide our first responders — from heavy-duty protective clothing to hazardous gas detectors — can be critical in keeping people and our communities safe.”

Supporting safety and service to communities

MGU focuses on safety for its employees, customers and communities each day. The company’s Rewarding Responders Grant program helps local first responders purchase lifesaving equipment or training.

This year’s grant recipients include the Monroe Public Safety Department and the City of Wayland Fire Department. The Monroe Public Safety Department used its grant to purchase new protective gloves and firefighting hoods to help its firefighters safety assist people during emergency situations. The City of Wayland Fire Department’s grant helped purchase a new multi-gas detector to help alert firefighters to the presence of hazardous gases.

“The Rewarding Responders Grant is tremendously helpful to provide valuable equipment to our department,” said Jon Timmers, fire chief — Wayland Fire Department. “This grant allowed us to purchase gas monitoring equipment, which is used to protect both the community and our firefighters. We sincerely appreciate the continued partnership with Michigan Gas Utilities and their support of our local responders.”

Two MGU employees hold a large ceremonial check while standing next to two firefighters from the South Haven Area Emergency Service.

A black multi-gas detector and calibration unit laying on top of a steel-grated step.

A male MGU employee holds up a large ceremonial check while standing next to two firefighters from the Wayland Fire Department.

A blue jumpsuit with the words "Exeter Fire Department" printed in white on the back.

MGU employees hold a large ceremonial check while standing next to firefighters from the Exeter Fire Department.

An MGU employee listens to a Burr Oak Fire Department firefighter talk about a multi-gas detector.

Grant recipients

The 2025 grant recipients include:

Burr Oak Community Fire Department — Multi-gas detector
Exeter Fire Department — Medical and rescue response jumpsuits
Monroe Public Safety Department — Protective firefighting clothing
South Haven Area Emergency Services — Portable carbon monoxide detectors
City of Wayland Fire Department — Multi-gas detector

Including this year’s grants, MGU has now donated more than $85,000 to help police, fire and emergency medical services agencies improve public safety across southern and western Michigan.

MGU offers its Rewarding Responders Grant each year to emergency response agencies that operate in the company’s service area. Eligible agencies can apply for up to $2,000 in funding through the grant.

Learn more about the grant