Firefighter Grants Utilized to Purchase Firefighting Equipment

Illinois American Water awarded four firefighter grants totaling $5,865 to area fire departments as a part of the company’s new Firefighter Grant Program. The program was created to provide financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations serving customers in Illinois American Water’s service area.

Both the Limestone Fire Department and West Peoria Fire Protection District used their grants to purchase new pagers. The pagers will help the departments comply with new federal mandates. The Peoria Fire Department purchased smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. The Logan-Trivoli Fire Protection District’s grant went toward the purchase of an air chisel set, which is used during grain bin fires and rescues as well as automobile extrications.

“We are committed to supporting our local fire departments and this is another way we can help out with fire protection in the Peoria District.” said operations manager Michael Moler. Illinois American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program awards grants up to $1,500 to provide:
– Personal protective gear
– Communications equipment
– Firefighting tools
– Water handling equipment
– Training and related activities/materials that will be used to support community fire protection.
– Fire training classes, including the cost of training manuals and student workbooks.

Over 30 Firefighter Grants were issued by Illinois American Water across the state.