Virginia American Water Awards Grants to Eight Volunteer Fire Departments

The company’s 2026 Firefighter Support Grant Program provides each of the eight selected departments with $1,000 to address specific operational needs. Charlie Piekanski, Vice President of Operations at Virginia American Water, noted that the initiative serves as a direct investment in the safety of communities where the utility operates. Funds are earmarked for critical equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, technical rescue gear, and specialized medical response kits.

Recipients of this year's funding include the Callao, Cape Charles, Colonial Beach, Fairfields, Oak Grove, Tappahannock-Essex, Town of Waverly, and Upper Lancaster volunteer fire departments. These organizations represent the core of local emergency services, often relying on such corporate assistance to maintain readiness. The annual program remains a primary pillar of the utility's community outreach, focusing on the specific safety requirements of volunteer personnel who handle diverse rescue and fire-suppression tasks.