Three fire protection districts in the Illinois Quad Cities region are receiving a combined $60,000 to purchase new firefighting and ambulance equipment, Illinois State Sen. Mike Halpin announced.
The area recipients of the state’s Small Equipment Grant Program are:
- Colona Fire Protection District, $8,568.
- Rio Township Fire Protection District, $26,000.
- Rivoli Fire Protection District, $25,993.
“Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of many communities, selflessly dedicating their time and risking their lives to protect their neighbors and fellow citizens,” said Mr. Halpin, D-Rock Island. “Without their tireless commitment and service, many communities would be unable to maintain an effective fire department and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.”
The Small Equipment Grant Program, a program of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, addresses a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in Illinois. Agencies can apply for up to $26,000 to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase.
“As we all know, volunteer fire departments all around the state are struggling to maintain a safe work environment due to the lack of funding,” Colona Fire Chief John Swan said in the release. “The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Small Equipment Grant Program has provided us the opportunity to purchase a thermal imagining camera we desperately need that will help keep our firefighters safe.”
For more information on the grants and loans offered by the Illinois State Fire Marshal, click here.
