Bloom Energy Honors Gainesville Firefighters Who Prepare for the Moments That Matter
Ahead of the Florida–South Carolina college football match-up, Bloom recognized Gainesville first responders who help keep the community safe
SAN JOSE, Calif., October 16, 2026--Bloom Energy (NYSE: BE) recognized Gainesville firefighters this week for work that begins long before an emergency call comes in.
Ahead of the Florida-South Carolina game, Bloom visited Gainesville Fire Rescue Station 1 and presented a $10,000 donation to Gainesville Professional Firefighters. The organization supports the firefighters and families behind Gainesville's emergency response.
The visit was part of Bloom's season-long partnership with ESPN Radio's College Campus Tour, which is bringing Bloom to college towns across the country. In Gainesville, the focus was on a responsibility Bloom and the fire service share: preparing every day for the moments when reliability matters most.
"Preparedness is what makes the difference when a community needs it most," said Natalie Sunderland, Chief Marketing Officer at Bloom Energy. "Gainesville's firefighters put in the work long before an emergency, training rigorously, preparing for the unexpected and carrying the responsibility of protecting their community. That commitment to readiness reflects a value we share at Bloom, and we are proud to support the people who demonstrate it every day."
Gainesville Professional Firefighters is affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters, which represents more than 360,000 members across the United States and Canada.
"Our department responds to approximately 32,000 calls each year, serving and protecting our community around the clock," said Shawn Hillhouse, Fire Chief of the City of Gainesville. "A donation like this means so much to our station and the community we proudly serve. It helps support our firefighters, strengthen our ability to respond, and ensure we can continue providing the highest level of service to those who depend on us."
Bloom will also be on the University of Florida campus Saturday during the pregame tailgate where fans can take part in an interactive game and learn more about the company's work powering essential services in communities nationwide.
Upcoming Confirmed 2026 Tour Stops
October 10 – Gainesville, Florida | South Carolina at Florida
October 17 – Austin, Texas | Florida at Texas
November 7 – Oxford, Mississippi | Georgia at Ole Miss
November 14 – Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Texas at LSU
November 21 – Lincoln, Nebraska | Ohio State at Nebraska
November 28 – Nashville, Tennessee | Tennessee at Vanderbilt