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Lincoln
Rural Fire Department to Receive Funds
Federal
and State Grant Improves Operation and Safety
Plus,
Update on New Firehouse
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[December 21, 2007]
The Lincoln Rural Fire
Department has received word that they will be getting a $122,170
grant. The operations and safety grant is one of many provided to
local fire departments and emergency medical services this year. It
comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal
Emergency Management Agency in an Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
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 Dave Hurley, who serves as the Lincoln Rural Fire Department safety
training officer and Broadwell battalion chief, said that the
department is very pleased and excited to get this grant. "It will
greatly help the fire department protect citizens," he said.The
department will be able to purchase 17 new self-contained breathing
apparatus units and a new cascade system. The cascade system
includes a compressor that is used to refill air tanks. The new
equipment will be up to date and bring the department into
compliance with OSHA and Illinois Department of Labor regulations,
Hurley said.
Lincoln Rural Fire Department will soon be relocating to a newly
built firehouse. The move isn't far from their current location on
Woodlawn Road, where they have been renting for many years. The
department will move to property that was purchased several years
ago, next to the Logan County Paramedic Association on Postville
Road, across Lincoln Parkway from McDonald's.
There are numerous advantages to the new location. With the move,
the department will be able to consolidate local equipment in one
location. The less-congested traffic location will allow quicker
outgoing response and safer returns. And, pickup time will be saved
when they provide backup manpower on ambulance runs.
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The move date is set for Jan. 7. The major work is done, and
contractors are doing final touch-ups, Hurley said.
The backup 911 system will also move with the station. Upgrades
will take place with the move.
Upgrades to the main 911 system, located downtown in the Logan
County Safety Complex, were completed on Nov. 28. Coordinators
worked many extra hours in getting that work done and were given a
brief break by waiting for the rural firehouse move.
[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]
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