State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, announced today that the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has awarded a $26,000 grant to the Burlington Community Fire Protection District and a $13,363.98 grant to the Sycamore Fire Department as part of the state’s 2021 Small Equipment Grant Program, established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. The grant program helps to alleviate a funding shortage that has long caused difficulties for local fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships affording the purchase of small equipment.
“Our local fire fighters deserve more accolades and support than we can ever give them,” Rep. Keicher said. “Residents of Burlington and Sycamore can be exceptionally proud of their fire departments for earning this grant, which I was pleased to help secure. This funding will provide both local fire agencies the ability to purchase the equipment they need to continue serving their community at a high level.”
Sycamore Fire Chief Peter Polarek added: “We appreciate the support of Representative Keicher in funding this worthwhile program. We are grateful to receive a grant award which will be used to purchase vital equipment to support our mission.”
A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The OSFM received 448 applications, requesting around $10.5 million in funding for this grant period. For questions or more information, please contact Rep. Keicher’s office at (815) 748-3494.