Rockford Sun

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal has awarded a grant to two local fire departments to help them serve the community. 

The Burlington Community Fire Protection District was awarded a $26,000 grant and the Sycamore Fire Department received more than $13,300 in grant money as part of the state’s 2021 Small Equipment Grant Program, as announced in a press release from state Rep. Jeff Keicher's (R-Sycamore) office. 

The grant is for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. 

According to the release, the aim of the program is, "to alleviate a funding shortage that has long caused difficulties for local fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships affording the purchase of small equipment." 

"Our local firefighters deserve more accolades and support than we can ever give them," Rep. Keicher said. "Residents of Burlington and Sycamore can be exceptionally proud of their fire departments for earning this grant, which I was pleased to help secure. This funding will provide both local fire agencies the ability to purchase the equipment they need to continue serving their community at a high level."

Throughout the state, a total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments/districts and EMS providers. 

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal said it received 448 applications, requesting around $10.5 million in funding for this grant period. 

"We appreciate the support of Rep. Keicher in funding this worthwhile program. We are grateful to receive a grant award which will be used to purchase vital equipment to support our mission," Sycamore Fire Chief Peter Polarek said.