Davis Announces Federal Firefighter Grants to Local Fire Departments
Press Release
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill) today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has awarded additional federal firefighter grants totaling $2,151,360.05 to six fire departments in Illinois' 13th Congressional District. This follows an announcement of $1,695,356 in grants to seven fire departments in August.
"I'm a proud supporter of firefighter grants in Congress because they are critical to helping our fire departments protect themselves and the citizens they serve. Taxpayers in these communities pay into the system and it's important they see the benefits. As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11 it is a solemn reminder that we owe our firefighters much," said Davis.
The grant recipients and amounts are below categorized by the relevant grant program.
Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)
These grants are to enhance the department's response capabilities to, and more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel from, fire and other related hazards. The grants will be used to purchase items such as Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) packs amongst other things depending on the department. Taylorville will be purchasing SCBAs.
Taylorville Fire Department: $166,666.67
Girard Fire Protection District: $72,432.38
"The City of Taylorville thanks Congressman Davis for his support of our fire department," said Taylorville Fire Chief Matthew Adermann & Mayor Bruce Barry. "There is no way we could secure this type of funding without the support of Congressman Davis. The city's number one priority is public safety and this funding will be put to good use to that end."
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)
These grants are to assist volunteer fire departments with the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters who are involved with or trained in the operations of firefighting and emergency response. For non-volunteer departments the grants are to hire new firefighters or to change the status of part-time or paid-on-call firefighters to full-time firefighters.
Nokomis Area Fire Protection District: $79,650 -- Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
Taylor Springs Fire Department: $69,263 -- Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
Urbana Fire Department: $1,709,748 -- Hiring of Firefighters
"We are deeply appreciative of this award. The funds will help maintain our ISO Class 1 rating for excellence in fire and emergency protection and provide additional support for our first responders who have shouldered extra duties during the pandemic, said Urbana Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin. "It is especially meaningful to receive this news on the 20th anniversary of 9/11."
Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S)
These grants are to strengthen community fire prevention programs and to support scientific research on innovations that improve firefighter safety, health and wellness.
Champaign Fire Department: $53,600 "I am excited for the Champaign Fire Department to receive these grants. This grant will help us target areas where a fire death(s) has occurred with smoke alarms and other educational material to prevent further tragic deaths," said Champaign Fire Chief Gary Ludwig. "I am grateful to Congressman Rodney Davis and the other members of Congress who support and fund these grants. They are vital to not only serving our community but protecting the Homeland. Lastly, I am extremely proud of our Grant Writing Team and the outstanding work they do to clearly articulate the need for these grants in Champaign."
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