Each year, we offer a Safety Initiative Grant to help members secure funding for projects that can make a meaningful impact on their safety programs. This year, more than 30 members applied for the grant, and three organizations were selected to receive awards of up to $5,000 to support initiatives that strengthen workplace safety and preparedness.

From fire department training enhancements to ergonomic improvements and trench safety upgrades, this year’s winning projects highlight practical investments that will help protect workers and improve day-to-day operations.

City of Norwich Fire Department Receives $2,000 Grant

The City of Norwich Fire Department earned a $2,000 Safety Initiative Grant to strengthen its realistic training program. The department plans to use the funding to purchase durable, realistic training manikins that will allow personnel to practice emergency scenarios safely and effectively without relying on live participants. This investment will help ensure the team is better prepared and protected during real-life emergencies. Fire Chief Gerald Parry accepted the award on behalf of the City of Norwich Fire Department.

Town of Mamaroneck Receives $3,000 Grant

To meet public, departmental, and legal obligations, Town of Mamaroneck staff frequently access and move heavy archival boxes and binders stored on elevated shelving. This routine work creates ongoing risks, including lifting strain, repetitive motion injuries, and falls. To reduce those risks, the Town will use its grant funding to invest in ergonomic safety equipment designed to support safer handling and storage practices. Jennifer Gonzalez accepted the grant on behalf of the Town of Mamaroneck.

Village of Baldwinsville Receives $5,000 Grant

The Village of Baldwinsville received this year’s largest grant award—$5,000—to support the purchase of a buildable aluminum trench box to accompany its new excavator and improve safety during watermain repairs. This lighter, adaptable system will make it easier for crews to use proper trenching protection in a variety of field conditions, reducing the likelihood of unsafe workarounds and enhancing overall worker safety. Taran Pashow accepted the award on behalf of the Village of Baldwinsville.

Congratulations to all of this year’s Safety Initiative Grant winners. Their projects reflect a strong commitment to practical, forward-thinking safety improvements that will benefit their teams and communities for years to come.