5 area fire departments receive equipment grants

More than $88,000 will be shared by 90 Illinois fire departments through Illinois American Water’s 2019 Firefighter Grant Program, including Streator, Long Point, Leonore, Grand Ridge and Allen Township (Ransom) departments.

Since the program was created in 2010, more than 590 grants totaling more than $582,000 have been awarded to fire and emergency organizations serving customers in Illinois American Water’s service area.

“We know the critical role water plays in protecting homes and businesses; we also know resources for our local heroes often run short. The Illinois American Water firefighter grant program was created to help bridge the gap and support our local firefighters,” said Bruce Hauk, Illinois American Water President, in a press statement.

Illinois American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program awards grants to provide personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training materials and classroom programs.

The grants are being announced in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6 to 12 – to raise awareness about the importance of fire prevention and emergency planning.