March 17, 2010

Durbin Announces More than $350,000 in FEMA Grants to Illinois Fire Departments

[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 6 grants totaling $353,282 to fire departments throughout Illinois for operations and safety.

“Our nation's firefighters are called upon day after day to protect America's citizens,” Durbin said. “As these brave men and women put themselves in harm’s way, we must ensure that they are equipped with the best tools possible to do their jobs well, and today’s grants will help meet that goal.”

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, AFG has provided approximately $4 billion to first-responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, training, and vehicles.

Under this announcement, the following fire departments will receive funding:

Chicago Metro Area

Rolling Meadows Fire Department, $46,656; Wilmette Fire Department, $32,985.
 
Central Illinois

Beaverville Volunteer Fire Protection District, $52,326; Benson Community Fire District, $48,450; Tri-Township Fire Protection District, $78,850.
 
Northern Illinois

Monroe Township Fire Protection District, $94,015.