Durbin Announces a More Than $115,000 Investment in Illinois First-Responder Capabilities
[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has awarded $115,552 in grants to two fire departments and municipalities in Illinois. Today’s funding will help support and improve the capability of the departments to respond to fires and other types of emergencies.
“When fires or other emergencies occur in our communities, our nation’s firefighters and first-responders stand ready to put their lives on the line,” Durbin said. “Today’s grants will help ensure that as these brave men and women put themselves in harm’s way, they are equipped with the best tools and equipment to do their jobs well.”
The funding is provided through the DHS’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program which seeks to strengthen the Nation’s overall level of preparedness and ability to respond to fire and fire related hazards. Since 2001, the AFG has provided approximately $5.25 billion in federal funding to first-responder organizations across the country to help purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, training, and vehicles. In Fiscal Year 2012, the program will award approximately $337.5 million nationwide.
The following fire protection agencies will receive funding for operations and safety:
- Western Springs Department of Fire & EMS: $64,600 in funding;
- Steeleville Fire Department: $50,952 in funding.