NW Illinois News

Andrew Chesney, a State Senator representing Illinois' District 45, announced that several departments within his district have received grants to purchase new equipment aimed at community improvement. He shared this information in a Facebook post on March 25.

"I am pleased to announce that five fire protection districts located in the 45th Senate District have been awarded Small Equipment Grants from the Office of the State Fire Marshal," said Chesney, according to Facebook. "The grants, up to $26,000 each, will allow these vital community partners to purchase much-needed small tools and equipment, like turnout gear and firefighters' self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)."

According to Chesney, the five departments identified as grant recipients include the Apple River Fire Protection District, Davis Fire Protection District, Lanark Fire Protection District, Milledgeville Fire Protection District, and Rock City Fire Protection District.

Screenshot of State Senator Andrew Chesney's March 25 Facebook post | State Senator Andrew Chesney's Facebook page

A total of 178 fire departments or districts received grants in 2024. A press release from the fire marshal’s office indicated that there were 347 applications submitted, requesting approximately $7.7 million in funding. "Grant programs like our Small Equipment Grant Program are critical in providing fire departments and ambulance providers with the necessary equipment to ensure their staff can perform their duties safely and efficiently. These grants alleviate the burden of tough financial decisions, allowing departments to acquire essential tools without delay, ensuring they have what they need when they need it," said James A Rivera, Illinois State Fire Marshal.

To apply for the Small Equipment Grant program, fire departments and fire protection districts must have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System for at least two years, from October 2022 through September 2024. Applications were initially reviewed for eligibility before being scored based on equipment need and financial need. Priority items considered during evaluation included personal infection control items, vehicle rescue equipment, self-contained breathing apparatuses, firefighter safety equipment, and EMA emergency response equipment.

Chesney has represented the 45th Senate District since 2023. Before his election to the senate, he served the 89th House District starting in December 2018. He has also been an elected member of the Freeport City Council and a past board member of the Regional Access Mobilization Project (RAMP), an organization providing support services and advocacy for people with disabilities. Additionally, he is a former mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.