[AUG. 18, 2005] PEORIA -- U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria,
announced Wednesday that 11 fire department and fire protection
districts in central and western Illinois have been awarded funds
under the Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to
Firefighters grant program. This is the first round of grant
announcements that have been made from the fiscal 2005 funding.
Those receiving grants include the following:
New Holland Fire Protection District will receive $34,588
for operations and safety.
Golden Fire Protection District will receive $181,925 for
vehicle acquisition.
Murrayville Volunteer Fire Department will receive $131,844
for vehicle acquisition.
Hickory Point Fire Protection District, Forsyth, will
receive $81,700 for vehicle acquisition.
Brown County Fire Projection District will receive $114,942
for operations and safety.
Griggsville Fire Department will receive $91,567 for
operations and safety.
Chapin Volunteer Fire Department will receive $71,250 for
operations and safety.
Sherman Fire Protection District will receive $67,175 for
operations and safety.
Loami Fire Protection District will receive $39,805 for
operations and safety.
Meredosia Fire Protection District will receive $28,025 for
operations and safety.
Havana Rural Fire Protection District will receive $9,975
for operations and safety.
"These much-needed grant funds will greatly improve firefighting
safety and preparedness, while also furthering a firefighter's
ability to protect individuals, families and businesses in our local
communities," the congressman said. "Without grant funding, our
rural fire departments and districts struggle to afford the
vehicles, equipment and training needed to increase their
effectiveness. I am delighted that Congress has been able to provide
the funding needed so our first responders can be better equipped,
better trained and better prepared to respond to emergencies."
Aside from vehicle acquisition, this grant program helps these
communities fund the purchase of firefighting equipment, fund
firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical
services programs, and conduct fire prevention and safety programs.
[News release from
Rep. Ray LaHood,
18th Congressional District]
