LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — As part of a comprehensive partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesale partners have launched a project to provide emergency drinking water to volunteer fire departments across the country.

In the Natural State, 68,000 cans were distributed to 29 fire departments.

“Our continued partnership with the NVFC and volunteer firefighters across the country embodies Anheuser-Busch’s rich heritage and our commitment and long-standing track record of supporting our communities when they need us most – because that’s who we are,” said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer at Anheuser-Busch.

“Anheuser-Busch is honored to partner with our wholesale partners to leverage our manufacturing, packaging and logistics capabilities to support the firefighters who bravely protect us every time they are called.”

The brewery’s long-standing involvement in investing in its communities and gratitude to first responders play a major role in why the partnership has been so successful.

Anheuser-Busch’s donations allow fire departments to prioritize their funding on other necessary resources to be prepared for all emergencies and disasters.

65 percent of firefighters in the United States are volunteers. They are generally considered the first line of defense in local emergencies.

“We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Anheuser-Busch to support local VFDs across the country with drinking water during emergency situations,” said NVFC Chairman Steve Hirsch.

“This important resource ensures firefighters can safely protect themselves and our cities year-round.”

The massive supply of emergency drinking water, which is accessible to 29 volunteer fire departments, includes the Lepanto Fire Volunteer Fire Department, Diamond City Fire Protection Association, McCrory Volunteer Fire Department, Stover Rural Fire Protection District and others.

Through a partnership with the American Red Cross, Anheuser-Busch has been providing assistance following natural and storm disasters since 1906.

There is an increased focus on disaster preparedness and a partnership with NVFC was launched in 2019.

Since the joint agreement began, 9 million cans of clean drinking water have been distributed to more than 2,000 volunteer fire departments in 49 states.