The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal has unveiled six million dollars in available funding through the Small Equipment Grant Program. Fire departments and ambulance services statewide have the opportunity to apply for grants up to twenty-six thousand dollars to bolster their equipment inventories. Departments interested in enhancing their firefighting and emergency response capabilities can submit applications online. The window for applications will remain open until November fourteenth. This grant initiative aims to provide critical support, ensuring first responders in communities across Illinois have access to up-to-date, life-saving equipment as they serve residents.
“As first responders, it’s vital that firefighters and EMS providers in every corner of Illinois have the necessary funding and equipment they need to serve their communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to support our state’s dedicated emergency service workers, and I encourage all eligible departments to take advantage of this successful state program.”
“This grant program is essential for fire departments and EMS providers, allocating critical funding for equipment that not only protects our firefighters but also strengthens the safety of the communities they serve,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “The OSFM is committed to supporting departments through our grants and loan programs, ensuring firefighters have access to the best tools and resources available to perform their duties safely and effectively.”
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The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office is making six million dollars available through its Small Equipment Grant Program, aimed at helping fire departments and ambulance services across the state. Eligible applicants can request up to twenty-six thousand dollars to purchase small but crucial equipment. The program addresses challenges faced by departments with limited budgets, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Last March, four million dollars were distributed to 178 fire and EMS providers. Online applications are open now, with a submission deadline set for November fourteenth. Eligible organizations include most fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services across Illinois.
