American Water has debuted its new Wills for First Responders service, which offers pro bono, one-time basic estate planning legal services to first responders within the company’s service area.
The inaugural event, held in conjunction with Pennsylvania American Water and national law firm Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, took place at the Norristown municipal building and benefited 30 local first responders.
“At American Water, we strive not only to provide our customers with safe, reliable water and wastewater services but also to support organizations and individuals — like our many dedicated first responders — working to make our communities better places to live, work, and play,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Justin Ladner. “We’re grateful for the efforts they make every day to keep us safe, and it is a true honor to have this opportunity to show our appreciation to them through our new Wills for First Responders service.”
Beginning in May 2024, American Water and Morgan Lewis legal professionals conducted phone interviews with participating first responders and started document preparation on their behalf. The process culminated with in-person meetings among American Water, Morgan Lewis, and participating first responders in Norristown, where the documents were reviewed, signed, and notarized.
“Thank you to everyone involved; it’s a great service you’re providing for first responders,” said Bryan Boyer, an Officer with the Norristown Police Department. “Everyone was very clear and helpful along the process.”
Through the pro bono program, American Water provides several basic estate planning service options, including wills, financial power of attorney, and health care power of attorney/living will. Referrals are provided for more complex estate requirements.
American Water hopes to continue expanding Wills for First Responders throughout additional communities in the states it serves.
Learn more at Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people.
