Courtesy of WPS

TOMAHAWK — The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation is supporting first responders who keep their communities safe every day. The foundation is providing a total of $50,000 through its Rewarding Responders Grant to 27 emergency response agencies in northeast and north central Wisconsin.

Among this year’s grant recipients is the Tomahawk Fire Department, which is using a grant to purchase two new automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

“Thanks to the generosity of the WPS Foundation, we are now better prepared to care for an individual in sudden cardiac arrest,” said Robert Caylor, firefighter/paramedic, Tomahawk Fire Department. “Having seen firsthand how early defibrillation can save someone’s life, this is truly life-saving equipment.”

Other agencies receiving grants this year include the Antigo Police Department, equipment storage systems for squad vehicles; the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department, fire-resistant clothing for firefighters; and the Merrill Fire Department, versatile protective clothing for firefighters during rescue operations.

Grant reaches safety milestone this year

The WPS Foundation has donated more than $350,000 in Rewarding Responders Grants to 200 agencies since 2014. These grants help to strengthen public safety in the communities WPS serves.

To be eligible for the grant, emergency response agencies must operate in the WPS electric or natural gas service area, and must demonstrate the equipment or training they will acquire is part of a well-planned effort to improve public safety. Grants also may be used to fund safety-related projects that are unique, one-time efforts.

More information about the grant is available at www.wecenergygroup.com/community/wps-rewarding-responders-grant.htm.