Virtually the entire western border of Sodus Township is marked by the meandering path of the St. Joseph River. With that many miles of waterfront in their jurisdiction, the Sodus Township Fire Department is always at risk for being called into a water rescue situation. Thanks to Michigan Gas Utilities any future emergency call along that stretch of the river will stand an improved chance for a successful outcome.
The Wisconsin Public Service Foundation serves as the charitable giving organization for Michigan Gas Utilities, and they have awarded the Sodus Township Fire team a $2,000 grant for the purchase of water rescue equipment going forward.
Michigan Gas says they deliver such grants from time to time “to show support for those who strive to improve public safety every day.” In fact, the utility is donating more than $7,000 this month to several teams of emergency responders as part of their annual safety grants.
In addition to Sodus, this year’s grants are being given to a total of four departments to assist in purchasing equipment or training that enhances public safety. A rapid deployment craft and water rescue equipment are among the items the grants will help fund.
Here is a list of the emergency response agencies that have been awarded a safety grant this year:
- Hillsdale Fire Department – $1,600 grant to purchase a thermal imaging camera
- City of Monroe Fire Department – $2,000 grant to purchase a rapid deployment craft for rescue situations
- Ottawa Lake Fire and Rescue – $2,000 grant to purchase new firefighting helmets
- Sodus Township Fire Department – $2,000 grant to purchase water rescue equipment
Including this year’s grants, the WPS Foundation has donated nearly $30,000 to help emergency response agencies in the MGU service area since the grant’s inception in 2015.
To qualify for a grant, emergency response agencies must demonstrate the equipment or training they will acquire is part of a well-detailed effort to improve public safety. Organizations may also request a grant to fund safety-related projects if they are unique, one-time efforts. Each grant has a maximum value of $2,000.
More information about the safety grants is available on the MGU website by clicking this link:
http://www.michigangasutilities.com/business/worth_energy_grant.aspx
