Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners are teaming up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) for the fifth consecutive year to donate emergency drinking water to local fire departments nationwide. This summer, more than 47,000 cans will be donated to 20 fire departments across Alabama to help them prepare for and respond in times of crisis and long incidents at home.

Why it matters: Firefighters and first responders in our communities rely on clean drinking water to stay hydrated in times of need; yet volunteer fire departments often lack the budget and resources to supply. The water donations to Alabama fire departments are designed to deliver on this critical need and support the communities where Anheuser Busch’s customers live and work.

In Alabama, emergency drinking water donations will be made to 20 volunteer fire departments.

By the numbers: The stations in our area included in this effort are:

• White House Fork Volunteer Fire Department – Bay Minette

• Gateswood Volunteer Fire Department – Robertsdale

• Antioch Volunteer Fire Department – Grove Hill

• Putnam Volunteer Fire Department – Thomasville

Since 2019, Anheuser-Busch and its national network of independent wholesalers – including local partners, Adams Birmingham, Adams Beverages LLC., Adams Atalla, All Things Good Distribution Inc., Bama Bud of Montgomery, Bud Busch Distributing Co., Budweiser-Busch Distributing Co., and Horn Beverage Company Inc. – have partnered with the NVFC to donate more than 6.4 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to more than 960 fire departments across 49 states to support disaster response needs.

What they’re saying: “Emergency drinking water is critical for firefighters’ safety and ability to respond to crises at home each year,” said NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch. “We appreciate Anheuser-Busch’s increased commitment to supplying our nation’s fire service with this much-needed resource and for their continued partnership in keeping our communities safe.”

“Alabama firefighters bravely respond to thousands of wildfires each season, and we commend their service to our communities,” said Rob Passi, Vice President of Adams Beverages. “We are proud to partner with Anheuser-Busch to provide drinking water to the Ladonia Volunteer Fire Department as they prepare and respond to emergencies across Alabama.”

“Responding to fires and other emergencies during the hot summer months can be especially taxing on volunteer firefighters, but it’s integral to the safety of our families and neighbors that we don’t miss a beat,” said Jeremy Dunman, Assistant Chief of the Ladonia Volunteer Fire Department. “We’re grateful for our partners at Anheuser-Busch and the NVFC for supplying resources that keep my team and many other fire districts hydrated and operating at our best all season long.”

“Showing up for our communities and first responders has long been part of Anheuser Busch’s legacy – that’s who we are. We’re proud to continue building on that tradition by working with our wholesaler partners and NVFC to support our neighbors, friends, and families,” said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer at Anheuser-Busch.

Learn more about the Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters Program at www.nvfc.org/water.