Over $96,000 has been awarded to 97 fire departments and districts across Illinois through Illinois American Water’s 2024 Firefighter Grant Program, as reported by Illinois American Water.
This initiative supports fire departments with essential resources, including equipment and training materials.
Since the program’s inception in 2010, Illinois American Water has provided more than 1,040 grants, totaling over $1,036,000.
The grants help fire departments purchase critical tools and protective gear to enhance their emergency response capabilities.
The Pontiac Fire Department is one of the grant recipients this year.
The department plans to use the funds to purchase confined space equipment, which is essential for performing specialized rescues within their jurisdiction.
Fire Chief Jacob Campbell of the Pontiac Fire Department expressed appreciation for the support: “The Pontiac Fire Department relies heavily on collaborating with community stakeholders like Illinois American Water to help ensure our firefighters carry out their mission of protecting life, property, and the environment.”
Illinois American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program aims to provide personal protective equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, and other essential resources.
The program has been running for over a decade, benefiting numerous fire departments throughout the state.
Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water, highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying: “We created the Firefighter Grant Program more than 10 years ago to support our first responders in a meaningful way.
“We are proud to support these organizations who keep our customers and communities safe in emergency situations day after day.”
Among the 97 fire departments receiving grants are the Belleville Fire Department, Peoria Fire Department, and the Elgin Fire Department.
The funds are being distributed shortly after National Fire Prevention Week, which took place from October 6 to October 12, 2024.
The week focused on raising awareness about the importance of smoke alarms in homes.
The grant program provides much-needed support to fire departments, helping them stay equipped to handle emergencies and protect their communities.
Illinois American Water has awarded over $96,000 in firefighter grants to 97 fire departments and districts throughout Illinois as part of its 2024 Firefighter Grant Program.
The grants provide essential equipment, training materials, and other resources to help fire departments better serve their communities.
Since the program started in 2010, more than $1,036,000 has been distributed to fire and emergency organizations.
The announcement comes following National Fire Prevention Week, which emphasized the importance of smoke alarms in homes.
