In celebration of National First Responders Day, which is observed annually on Oct. 28, PECO is honoring local heroes across southeastern Pennsylvania with a total of $12,000 in grants to support first-responder organizations in the company’s service area.

For example, in Montgomery County, PECO’s partnership with the Montgomery County Fire Academy has been instrumental in preserving and expanding the academy’s memorial honoring fallen firefighters. For more than 10 years, the company’s support has helped renovate and enhance the site, which now serves as a meaningful gathering place for graduations, remembrance ceremonies, and community events.

“PECO’s ongoing support of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial has helped us maintain the memorial and provide a proper tribute to the firefighters in Montgomery County who have given the ultimate sacrifice while keeping our residents safe,” said John Kelly, Chair of the Montgomery County Fire Advisory Committee. “This, along with all the other programs PECO continues to support, shows their commitment for our first responders.”

PECO has helped fund several upgrades to the memorial over the years, including a new granite walkway in 2012 and engraved tablets for fallen firefighters and energy-efficient LED lighting that illuminates the names of the 57 fallen firefighters each evening. The ongoing support from PECO and other partners ensures the memorial continues to stand as a lasting tribute to local heroes.

In addition to the Montgomery County Fire Academy, PECO awarded $2,000 grants to the following organizations:

• Bucks County Heroes Scholarship Fund: Provides scholarships to children of fallen police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel.
• Chester County Avondale Fire Company: The funding will help with equipment, training, and maintenance of the firehouse.
• Delaware County Hero Scholarship Fund: Provides scholarships to children of emergency responders to help them with education expenses.
• Philadelphia Hero Thrill Show: The program helps raise funds to pay for college tuition of children of emergency personnel.
• York County Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company: The funds will help provide critical training and equipment for volunteer firefighters and community outreach programs.

Learn more about PECO and how it shines a light on the bravery, service, and sacrifice of first responders who keep our communities safe every day.