07.24.15

Durbin, Duckworth Announce Firefighter Grant for Addison Fire Protection District and Surrounding Communities

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a $218,182 Assistance to Firefighters Grant to the Addison Fire Protection District for a driver simulator for emergency vehicles. This simulator will allow the fire Department to practice defensive driving skills without jeopardizing the public. This grant was a regional award that will also bring the simulator to the following departments: Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Company, Glenside Fire Protection District, Streamwood Fire Department, Villa Park Fire Department, Lombard Fire Department, Oak Brook Terrace Fire Protection District, York Center Fire Protection District, Itasca Fire Protection District, Wood Dale Fire Protection District, Elmhurst Fire Protection District and the Bensenville Fire Protection District.

   

Assistance to Firefighters Grants provide first-responder organizations the ability to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles and training in an effort to strengthen the nation’s overall level of preparedness. Congresswoman Duckworth is a strong advocate for funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program through the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations process.

   

“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. Today’s funding will support a valuable training resource that can be shared by first-responders throughout the region.”         

   

“I am proud that the Addison Fire Protection District is receiving an Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” said Duckworth. “It is crucial for our firefighters to have the most up to date technologies as they risk their lives to ensure our safety. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant will enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of our community. The taxpayers of Illinois contribute more than their fair share to the federal government, and I am pleased to see that resources are coming back to the 8th Congressional District.”

   

This is the second federal grant that the Addison Fire Protection District has received this year. In May, the district received a similar grant to cover an upgrade to the fire alarm system at the facility.