LaHood announces equipment funding for six emergency response agencies in rural communities         

Lincoln Rural Fire Department receiving extraction equipment funds

[MAY 19, 2006]  WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, announced Thursday that six emergency response agencies within the 18th Congressional District have been awarded federal grants to assist in the purchase of emergency equipment.

The grants are part of the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. According to the department, the program provides smaller law enforcement and emergency response agencies with equipment items that will enhance and support regional response, mutual aid and interoperability of responder equipment.

"The CEDAP program along with the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program have really provided much-needed funding for small and rural emergency response units as they look to purchase equipment or receive training," LaHood said. "Small agencies just don't have the resources to pay for this equipment, but they have many of the same problems as large agencies. That is why it is so vitally important that the federal government step up and provide the funding to assist these agencies."

Listed below are the agencies receiving grants, the amount awarded and equipment to be purchased:

Adams County

Camp Point Police Department: $13,020 for a thermal imaging unit

Logan County

Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District: $17,914 for emergency extraction equipment

Peoria County

Tuscarora Fire Department: $16,110 for a gas alert detection system

Sangamon County

Sherman Fire Protection District: $9,721 for a thermal imaging unit

Tazewell County

Hopedale Police Department: $13,020 for a thermal imaging unit

Woodford County

Germantown Hills Fire Protection District: $17,700 for emergency extraction equipment.

[News release from Rep. Ray LaHood,
18th Congressional District]