The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal announced that recipients of the 2022 Small Equipment Grant Program would receive $2.5 million total to 104 fire departments and districts throughout the state of Illinois.  The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. 

This program helps fire departments that are in need along with not-for profit ambulance services and those that struggle to generate revenue. The OSFM received 373 applications which requested around $8.4 million in funding for this grant period. 

All fire departments, districts, townships, and stand alone ambulance service providers were encouraged to apply. All applicants were required to have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System for a minimum of two years before applying. 

Recipients of the grants include Clinton Fire & Rescue, $24,770; Tri-County Fire Protection District in Effingham, $25,566; St. Peter Fire Protection District, $24,630; Blue Mound Fire Protection District, $26,000; Staunton Area Ambulance Service, $16,732; Coffeen Fire Protection District, $25,560; Bethany Fire Protection District, $19,000;