December 14, 2021 16:15 ET | Source: California Water Service Group California Water Service Group

San Jose, California, UNITED STATES

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of its commitment to supporting fire departments in its service areas, California Water Service (Cal Water) today announced the recipients of its third annual Firefighter Grant Program. Eight fire departments were awarded a total of $174,500 to purchase or fund equipment that will help protect life and property.

The 2021 grant recipients were selected based on need for items to protect first responders or the communities in which Cal Water serves. The recipients include:

“Our partnership with the firefighters in our service areas extends beyond providing the water they need to protect our communities; as they put their lives on the line for us, we want to support them as best we can,” said Martin A. Kropelnicki, President and CEO. “With many fire departments stretched for resources, we are glad that our Firefighter Grant Program can help them obtain the equipment they need to be safe and protect others, especially as we have seen the frequency and severity of fires grow year after year due to climate change.”

The firefighter grants are part of parent company California Water Service Group’s philanthropic giving program and do not affect customers’ rates.

About Cal Water California Water Service serves about 2 million people through 492,600 service connections in California. The utility has provided water service in the state since 1926. Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.