Dieterich, IL – State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is proud to announce that the Martinsville Fire Department recently received a $26,000 grant from the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for the purchase of safety equipment. Fire departments may use this grant funding to purchase equipment, personal protective equipment, communications technology, and pay for fire personnel training.
“I congratulate Chief Davidson on receiving this grant and know how much these dollars can help our rural communities,” said Rep. Niemerg. “I encourage other fire departments and ambulance services to check into this program and other grant opportunities to help them be prepared to help our families, farms and businesses in times of need.”
Niemerg points out that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is now accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants through April 14. The funding is passed through to local fire departments and fire training academies to prevent and suppress rural fires while enhancing the protection capabilities of rural communities at risk in the wildland-urban interface. The grant funds fire projects at 50% of the cost of a project up to $10,000 per department.
The types of projects that have been funded in previous grants include radios, hose, SCBA, turn out gear, wildland PPE, hand tools, chainsaws, backpack blowers, modifying federal excess vehicles and equipment and other equipment. For more information Contact Forestry’s Wildland Fire Program Manager at 217-782-8774. (https://dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/forestry/volunteerfireassistanceprogram.html)
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