Sequoyah County RFPD #1 and Central High Volunteer Fire Association in Sallisaw, were each recipients of emergency drinking water that was recently donated to volunteer fire departments by Anheuser- Busch. According to a press release issued by the company, this is the sixth year for Anheuser-Busch and its wholesaler partners to team up with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to deliver emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments across the country, including more than 108,000 cans across Oklahoma.

The continued partnership builds on the brewer’s longstanding history of showing up for its communities and demonstrates its deep appreciation for the first responders who help to keep them safe.

Across the country, 65 percent of firefighters — typically the first line of defense in local emergencies — are volunteers, often with limited department budgets for critical supplies.

Anheuser-Busch’s water donations allow these departments to free up limited resources for other expenses or equipment needed to keep their force prepared to respond to any emergency or disaster.

Produced and canned by Anheuser-Busch breweries, more than 1.5 million cans of emergency drinking water will be distributed to over 630 volunteer fire departments across 44 states throughout the summer as part of the brewer’s larger effort to promote disaster preparedness nationwide.

“We are grateful for the chance to supply our state’s volunteer fire departments with the resources they need to effectively respond in times of crisis,” said Jason Hall, General Manager at AB One. “It’s an honor to join forces with Anheuser-Busch in their longstanding commitment to supporting disaster relief and preparedness.”

Anheuser-Busch has been providing support for disaster relief efforts dating back to 1906, in partnership with the American Red Cross. With an increased focus on disaster preparedness, the brewer started its partnership with the NVFC in 2019 and, together with its wholesaler partners, has delivered nearly 9 million cans of clean, safe drinking water to more than 2,000 volunteer fire departments across 49 states.

“We’re excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Anheuser-Busch to support local VFDs across the nation with emergency drinking water,” NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch, said. “This vital resource assures that firefighters are able to safely protect themselves and our towns year-round.”