Area first responders selected as recipients of Rewarding Responders Grants

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – The charitable foundations of Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) and We Energies are giving first responders important new tools to keep their communities safe as they awarded a total of $225,000 to help police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies acquire lifesaving equipment and improve safety in communities across Wisconsin.

“We are honored to support the everyday heroes in our communities and their relentless dedication to keeping everyone safe,” said Beth Straka, president of the WPS and We Energies foundations. “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 the foundations’ Rewarding Responders Grant programs. Including this year’s grants, the WPS and We Energies foundations have now donated more than $1.4 million to help first responders improve public safety since the programs began in 2014.

The foundations’ Rewarding Responders Grant programs support local first responders who share WPS and We Energies’ commitment to keeping everyone safe.

This year’s grants are helping first responders receive dozens of critical tools, from pedestrian safety signs and protective clothing to heavy-duty rescue saws.

The Howard Fire Department as one of this year’s grant recipients. The foundations helped present new personal radiation detection devices to the Howard Fire Department during an unveiling event Thursday.
“Receiving this grant allows our department to invest in specialized equipment that enhances responder safety and strengthens our ability to protect the community,” said Jeff Steinhorst, assistant fire chief, Howard Fire Rescue Department. “We are grateful for organizations that recognize the importance of investing in first responders, and their support helps ensure our community remains prepared for both everyday emergencies and low-frequency, high-consequence incidents.”

Other local 2026 grant recipients include the Hobart-Lawrence Police Department for a public safety drone equipment upgrade and Seymour EMS Inc. for a battery-powered CPR device.