The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has opened the application period for the Small Equipment Grant Program.
This program aims to distribute $4 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services across Illinois.
The funding will be used to purchase small firefighting and ambulance equipment.
Departments interested in applying must submit their applications to the OSFM either electronically or by mail, with a postmark no later than October 1, 2024.
Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the importance of this funding initiative, stating: “First responders put their lives on the line every single day to protect our communities and it’s our responsibility to provide our heroes with the equipment they need to make their work safer.”
He further encouraged eligible departments to apply for the grants to ensure they have the best possible resources to protect their communities and support their dedicated first responders.
The Small Equipment Grant Program, according to Illinois State Fire Marshal James A.
Rivera, was designed to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by fire departments and EMS providers across the state.
Rivera stated: “We hear the need daily, and departments shouldn’t have to decide between putting fuel in their trucks or providing the needed equipment for their members to protect their communities safely and effectively.”
This grant program offers awards of up to $26,000 per department or EMS provider.
In the last cycle, which concluded in April, $4 million was awarded to 168 departments and EMS providers.
This program allows eligible applicants to acquire small tools and equipment that might otherwise be out of their reach.
The program includes personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control items, such as masks, gowns, and gloves.
To qualify for the Small Equipment Grant Program, applicants must have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for at least two years before applying.
The OSFM mandates that departments must be current in their reporting from October 2022 through September 2024.
The requirement to report all incidents, including ambulance calls, ensures that departments maintain a high level of accountability and transparency.
The program is open to most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts, and township fire departments.
Stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers are also eligible to apply.
This inclusivity ensures that a broad range of departments across the state can benefit from the program.
Interested departments and EMS providers should prepare their applications promptly.
Applications, along with additional details about the program, are available on the OSFM’s website.
The completed applications must be submitted to the Office of the State Fire Marshal by October 1, 2024.
Applications received after this date or without the required documentation will not be considered.
Departments interested in applying are encouraged to review the application requirements and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria.
The funds available through this grant program provide an essential opportunity for departments to equip their personnel with the tools necessary for effective and safe operations.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal has announced the opening of the application period for the Small Equipment Grant Program.
This program will distribute $4 million to eligible Illinois fire departments and EMS providers for purchasing essential small equipment.
The grant offers up to $26,000 per recipient and is intended to alleviate financial pressures on departments.
Eligible applicants must have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System for at least two years.
Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2024.
Further details are available on the OSFM’s website.
