State Grants Awarded to Fire Departments and EMS Providers Across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has awarded $495,000 in federal grants to 73 volunteer fire departments across the state for equipment purchases and training through the Volunteer Fire Capacity program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The agencies serve about 250,000 residents, mostly in rural areas. In a separate round of funding, the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal announced $6 million in Small Equipment Grants to 260 fire departments, fire districts and EMS providers statewide. The program provides up to $26,000 per recipient for small firefighting and ambulance equipment, with state officials saying the funding helps departments that often struggle to afford essential tools. Among local recipients, the Somonauk Fire Department and Cortland Community Fire Protection District each received $26,000, the Malta Fire Protection District received $22,214.61, the Rochelle Fire Department received $24,400, and the Mt. Morris Fire Protection District received $23,850.