Eleven South Suburban Fire Departments to Benefit from Over $2.3 Million in Federal Grants

Press Release

MATTESON, IL -- Today, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) announced that 11 south suburban fire departments will benefit from federal grants totaling more than $2.3 million.

"Budget shortfalls prohibit too many local fire departments from making vital equipment upgrades that are essential to fighting fires and protecting our communities," Congresswoman Kelly said. "Some of our local fire departments are operating with obsolete fire equipment and fire trucks that are nearly half a century old. These federal grants will help bridge the gaps and give our communities, residents and firefighters the high level of safety and protection they need and deserve."

The Village of East Hazel Crest was awarded a $409,523 grant to purchase a new fire engine. It will replace a 37-year-old model.

"This new fire engine will replace a 1984 model that does not meet modern safety standards," said East Hazel Crest Chief Grant Mills. "This will give us a new reliable, safe apparatus that will take some of the burden off of our other two engines, which are both over 20 years old themselves,"

A $738,095 grant was awarded to the Grant Park Fire Protection District for the purchase of a new ladder truck that will replace a 1975 model, Fire Chief Gary Hall said.

The Steger Estates Fire Department will use its $44,657 to purchase a much-needed new Cascade system used to fill SCBAs (Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses).

"For the past several months, we have been relying on assistance from neighboring departments in filling the bottles when needed, as the Cascade that we currently have has been in non-working condition for months," said Captain Bill Wheeler of the Steger Estates Fire Protection District. "We're very grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of the funds and the grant couldn't have been announced at a better time. On behalf of Fire Chief Randy Manns and the men and women of the Steger Estates Fire Protection District, we extend our heartfelt gratitude."

The Calumet City Fire Department will purchase new SCBAs with its $201,832 grant.

"The new units will replace our outdated devises," said Deputy Fire Chief Pete Bendinelli.

Other communities that received grants for new operations and safety equipment are Phoenix, Beecher, South Chicago Heights, Country Club Hills, Chicago Heights and Homewood.

All South suburban municipalities receiving federal grants are:

Village of Phoenix - $38,095.24 for operations and safety equipment.

Village of East Hazel Crest - $409,523.81 for vehicle acquisition.

Beecher Fire Protection District - $57,142.86 for operations and safety equipment

Village of South Chicago Heights - $66,666.67 for operations and safety equipment

Steger Estates Fire Department - $44,657.14 for operations and safety equipment

Country Club Hills - $75,733.33 for operations and safety equipment

Chicago Heights - $279,186.36 for operations and safety equipment.

Calumet City - $201,832.73 for operations and safety equipment.

Grant Park Fire Protection District - $738,095.24 for vehicle acquisition.

Grant Park Fire Protection District - $240,952.38 for operations and safety equipment.

Village of Homewood - $175,209.52 for operations and safety equipment.

The purpose of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is to award grants that will directly enhance the ability of fire departments, state fire training academies and non-affiliated EMS organizations to protect the health and safety of the public and first responders. During Fiscal Year 2020, AFG made $355 million directly available for the purchase of vital emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, emergency vehicles and training. Other AFG grants fund emergency medical services provided by fire departments, as well as fire prevention programs and firefighter health and safety research and development.

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