WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- As part of the We Energies Foundation's Rewarding Responders grant program, the utility company says they're awarding $100,000 to first responders throughout Wisconsin.

The funding is meant to help local police, fire and emergency medical services agencies purchase lifesaving equipment or training to strengthen public safety. 

“We are honored to continue our support of public safety agencies and the invaluable impact they make every day,” said Beth Straka, president — We Energies Foundation. “The important tools we help provide our first responders — from vital medical devices to heavy-duty equipment — can be critical in keeping people and our communities safe.”

We Energies says the Oak Creek Fire Department used their grant to purchase water safety equipment, including personal flotation devices, rescue throw bags, throw rings and safety signage that they plan to use at community safety demonstrations.   

“The generosity of the We Energies Foundation is more than financial support, it’s truly an investment in saving lives,” said Jeffrey Mallas, assistant fire chief of the Oak Creek Fire Department. “This impact will be felt by thousands of residents and visitors to Oak Creek.”

Agencies operating in We Energies' service area are eligible to apply for up to $2,000 in funding through the Rewarding Responders grant.  

The full list of 2025 grant recipients include:

• Cedarburg Fire Department — Cancer reduction equipment
• City of Cudahy Fire Department — Emergency scene lighting
• City of Fort Atkinson Police Department — Wearable safety lights
• City of Franklin Fire Department — Gas detector
• City of Kenosha Fire Department — Gas detector
• City of Waukesha Fire Department — Gas detector
• Greenfield Fire Department — Sked rescue system
• Kettle Moraine Fire District — Gas detector
• Milwaukee Police Department — Pedestrian safety equipment
• Oak Creek Fire Department — Water safety equipment
• Palmyra Fire and Rescue — Thermal imaging camera and gas detector
• Random Lake Fire Department — Battery operated equipment
• Rochester Volunteer Fire Company — Training software
• Sharon Fire and Rescue — Fire hose
• Silver Creek Volunteer Fire Department — Thermal imaging
• Somers Fire and Rescue — Ice rescue suits
• Sussex Fire Department — Gas detector
• Town of Brookfield Police Department — Automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Town of Burlington Fire Department — Emergency plugs for electric vehicles
• Town of Paris Fire and Rescue — Thermal imaging
• Town of Randall Fire Department — Firefighting gloves
• Village of Big Bend Police Department — Ballistic shield
• Village of East Troy Police Department — Public safety barricades
• Village of Fox Point Police Department — Crime scene cameras
• Village of Greendale Police Department — AED
• Village of Pewaukee Police Department — Wearable safety lights
• Village of Salem Lakes Fire Department — Gas detector
• Village of Williams Bay Police Department — Bicycle patrol initiative
• Wauwatosa Police Department — Training target
• West Bend Police Department — Special Response Team equipment