25 years after the Sept. 11 attacks, Enbridge awards $25,000 Safe Community First Responder Program grants to four emergency response organizations
“They rush to the rescue of any human being and count not the cost.”
—Author Kurt Vonnegut, on first responders
On one of the bleakest days in American history, a legend was born.
First responders of nearly every stripe—firefighters, police officers, paramedics, military personnel, search-and-rescue specialists, U.S. Coast Guard—answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001 after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93.
Twenty-five years later, most Americans recall 9/11 with vivid clarity. Not just for the tragedy of the day’s events, but for the courage and resolve of those who threw themselves headlong into unimaginable danger in the hopes of saving lives—and helped countless others begin the healing process.
“September 11 reminds us that even in the face of tragedy, people can come together in service, compassion and purpose,” says Jim Brooks, CEO of Team Rubicon, a Veteran-led humanitarian and disaster response organization.
“What began as a moment of profound loss has grown into an enduring movement that has served millions.”
Enbridge was one of many corporations that showed support for first responders following the Sept. 11 attacks, establishing our 9-1-1 Fund in 2002.
The program was expanded to Canada in 2009, is now known as the Safe Community First Responder Program. Since it was established, the program has invested about $28.4 million in thousands of emergency response organizations across North America—including $2.5 million to 326 North American organizations in 2025.
Top and above: Team Rubicon mobilizes military Veterans, first responders, medical professionals and civilian volunteers to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
“Safety is a core value at Enbridge—and the foundation of everything we do. Proactively advancing the safety of communities and our employees will always be our top priority. The first responders in our communities stand at the front line, and we’re committed to supporting them,” says Laura Sayavedra, Enbridge’s Senior Vice President of Safety and Projects.
In recognition of the 25 years that have passed since 9/11, Enbridge is supporting four American organizations with $25,000 Safe Community First Responder Program grants:
- Team Rubicon, which mobilizes military Veterans, first responders, medical professionals and civilian volunteers to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
- The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which honors America’s fallen fire heroes; supports their families, colleagues, and organizations; and works to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury.
- The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, which tells the story of American law enforcement, and works to improve safety for those who serve.
- The 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s Never Forget Fund, which provides students an accurate history of 9/11 while fostering critical thinking, building social-emotional skills, and developing the capacity to navigate difficult content.
Enbridge’s Safe Community First Responder Program provides targeted funding that enhances emergency response capacity where it’s needed most. Our grants support safety equipment, professional training and safety education programs for first responders across North America.
“Through Enbridge’s partnership with Team Rubicon, we honor the legacy of 9/11 by turning remembrance into action for communities when they need it most,” says Brooks.
