Energy Transfer has officially surpassed $1 million in grants to emergency response organizations in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan from its First Responder Fund. Since 2016, grants from the First Responder Fund have helped emergency response organizations enhance rescue capabilities through trainings, replacing or upgrading rescue equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) and turnout gear, purchasing rescue engines and all-terrain vehicles, upgrading facilities and more.
First Responder Fund grants are determined based on a competitive application and review process. Eligible organizations are located near our company assets and must demonstrate a need for the requested items.
In many cases, needs arise due to increasingly stringent federal equipment standards and the rising costs for all-volunteer organizations. In fact, more than 90% of Pennsylvania’s nearly 2,500 fire companies are volunteer organizations, according to a 2018 study by the Pennsylvania Legislature. In addition, protective turnout gear must be replaced every 10 years at maximum.
Since 2016, we have awarded a total of $1.2 million in First Responder Fund grants, which has included $1.1 million in Pennsylvania. Separately, we have donated millions to many other worthy causes and organizations across the three states, including $1 million to Philadelphia-based Philabundance since 2016.
Recent examples include:
- $34,700 to Lower Chichester Volunteer Fire Co. (Delaware County, PA), used to purchase 10 sets of turnout gear, including jackets, pants, hoods, gloves and boots
Community Briefs: Energy Transfer awards $34G grant for Lower Chi firefighters, Delaware County Daily Times, Oct. 21, 2020
“We were very fortunate to receive this grant, which allowed us to replace 10 sets of turnout gear for our firefighters. The continued support of Energy Transfer allows us to maintain our members’ safety as the top priority, while aligning with our mission statement of serving with honor, tradition, and pride.”
– Lower Chichester Fire Chief Brandon Fuller.
- $20,000 to Ogden Fire Co. No. 1 (Delaware County, PA), used to purchase equipment to outfit a new fire engine
Fire company receives $20G from Energy Transfer Partners, Delaware County Daily Times, Sept. 21, 2020
“The generosity of Energy Transfer is especially welcomed and needed at this time due to the loss of revenue as a result of COVID-19.”
– Ogden Fire Co. President Bill Robinson
“This donation will purchase some of the newest technologically advanced tools for our new engine.”
– Ogden Fire Co. Chief Craig Small
- $15,793 to Suffield Township Fire Department (Portage County, OH), used to purchase hose and multiple sets of turnout gear, including jackets, helmets, pants, hoods, gloves, masks and boots
Suffield fire gets new gear, Record-Courier, July 30, 2020
“Everybody on staff now has fully code-compliant protective gear.”
– Suffield Fire Chief Bob Rasnick
Energy Transfer continues to focus on safety across the board. The First Responder Fund complements our robust safety and public awareness programs, which include ongoing trainings such as the Mariner Emergency Responder Outreach Program.
We are committed to supporting our first responders, and it is our mission to develop and maintain relationships with responders and emergency officials in the areas where we operate. We are proud to play an active role in the safety of these communities.