Both the Salem and Odin Fire Protection Districts have received Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal Small Equipment Grants. They are among 178 fire departments around the state sharing in $4 million in grants.
Salem Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Greg Miller says its $19,664 grant will allow for the purchase of a set of air lift bags. He reports the bags are used to put under cars to lift them up or to open up machinery if someone is stuck. The bags will be kept on the department’s rescue truck. Miller says the district has an old set, but they are out of date. He reports the bags have already been ordered.
The Odin Fire Protection District has received a $26,000 grant. Fire Chief Greg Smith says it will be used to purchase five new sets of turnout gear to replace those that are soon to be out of date. Odin has a total of 24 sets of turnout gear with a goal of replacing them every five to seven years. Smith says the grant relieves the cost burden from taxpayers.
The State Fire Marshal’s office received a total of 347 applications seeking around $7.7 million in grants.
