LUXEMBURG – The Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) Foundation is giving local first responders new tools to use when every second counts in keeping people safe. As part of its 2026 Rewarding Responders Grant program, WPS Foundation representatives visited the Luxemburg Police Department to unveil new lifesaving equipment on Friday, Aug. 28.

The Luxemburg Police Department and Luxemburg Community Fire Department are two of this year’s grant recipients. The Luxemburg Police Department used its grant to purchase new protective vests for its officers, while the Luxemburg Community Fire Department used its grant to purchase a new automated external defibrillator (AED) for its firefighters. Both items will help each department’s members respond safely and provide aid to people in distress.

“As a small agency, grant opportunities like this allow us to acquire essential, high-grade safety equipment that directly impacts the daily lives and protection of our officers without placing an added burden on local taxpayers,” said Neil Dorner, Luxemburg Police Department chief. “Community partnerships are the backbone of public safety. This support from the WPS Foundation demonstrates a shared commitment to the safety and well-being of the village of Luxemburg.”

Helping first responders strengthen safety

The WPS Foundation offers its Rewarding Responders Grant program to help local police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) agencies improve public safety throughout northeast and north-central Wisconsin. The foundation is awarding a total of $75,000 through this year’s grants to help first responders from Minocqua to Manitowoc receive lifesaving equipment or important training for their members.

“We are honored to support the everyday heroes in our communities and their relentless dedication to keeping everyone safe,” said Beth Straka, president of WPS and We Energies foundations. “These grants mean more than just new equipment or one-time training sessions. Their true impact is felt when seconds are saved, damage is prevented and people’s lives return to normal because first responders had the tools they needed to prevent serious harm.”

The Rewarding Responders Grant program began in 2014. Since then, the WPS Foundation has donated more than $750,000 to support first responders and public safety efforts in the communities it serves.