Local Fire Departments Receive Equipment Grants

PEORIA — The Peoria Fire Department and Washington Fire Department and Rescue Squad will be receiving Assistance to Firefighters Grants to purchase equipment.

The Peoria Fire Department will receive a grant for $315,000 for a breathing apparatus. The Washington Fire Department and Rescue Squad will receive a grant for $32,300 for three thermal imaging cameras. The Galesburg Fire Department received $50,130.

"These grants will help ensure that the courageous men and women from these departments are well equipped and fully prepared to tackle the life-threatening challenges they face every day," said U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Peoria.

"As these brave men and women put themselves in harm's way, we must ensure that they are equipped with the best resources possible to do their jobs well, and today's grants will help meet that goal," said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

Since 2001, the grants have helped firefighters and other first responders obtain equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.