State Representative Tony McCombie (IL-71st) announced today that two local fire departments will receive grant funding in a Small Equipment Grant. The grants are being distributed through Illinois’ Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).
A $25,885.00 grant will be awarded to the Silvis Fire Department to buy protective equipment and a $26,000 grant will be awarded to the Rock Falls Fire Department for self-contained breathing apparatuses.
According to McCombie, more than 100 departments statewide are taking a share of $2.2 million in grant funds.
“These grants are much-needed funding to help purchase or replace necessary equipment,” said McCombie. “These departments are proven to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars and will put these funds to good use in protecting our communities.”
The OSFM Small Equipment Grant Program was established to provide grants up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment at fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services across Illinois.
“Safety of first responders is paramount and should not be jeopardized due to the inability to purchase small equipment by the departments,” McCombie said. “this is where this Grant program helps to fill a serious need for our hometown heroes.”