ROCKFORD – State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is urging local fire departments to apply for The Office of the State      Fire Marshal’s Small Equipment Grant program.

“This is another great opportunity for local fire departments and ambulance services to continue to best serve our community,” Stadelman said. “As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, additional funding for our first responders is needed more than ever to help keep them safe.”

All interested departments should send an application to OSFM no later than January 29, 2021. OSFM will award $3.3 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services during this application period. The program was created to provide grants of up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

“Our local first responders need additional PPE to do their jobs safely, and these grants will help secure those supplies,” Stadelman said. “We need to make sure they stay as safe and healthy as possible, so they can continue to do the life saving work we all benefit from every single day.”

The purpose of the program is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small tools and equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. In addition to firefighting personal protective equipment, applicants can also apply for personal infection control items such as masks, gowns and gloves.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire departments are eligible to apply. In addition, stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers are also eligible.

Additional information including the application can be found on the OSFM’s website.