Three area fire departments are receiving 2023 Small Equipment Grants from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office. The Salem and Sandoval Fire Departments and Centralia City Fire Department are among 64 fire departments statewide sharing in $1.5-mllion.
The Salem Fire Protection District is receiving a $25,008 grant. Deputy Assistant Fire Chief Greg Miller wrote the department’s grant request. He says the money will allow for purchase of a new battery operated Jaws of Life rescue spreaders and cutters. Miller adds the new equipment will replace a unit from the 1980s that they can no longer get parts.
The Centralia City Fire Department is receiving a $23,664 grant. Fire Chief Jeff Day says the money will allow for the purchase of five sets of turnout gear to replace those that are past their useful life.
Sandoval Fire Chief Chad Parson says they will be using their $25,273 for eight full sets of turnout gear.
Other fire departments receiving awards include the Brownstown Fire Protection District that will get $23,850 and the Okawville Fire Department that is getting $26,000.
The State Fire Marshal’s office says the Small Equipment Grant Program is an innovated approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment.
