Illinois State Rep. Keicher announces grant funding for Sycamore, Burlington fire departments

Sycamore Fire Department headquarters sign Sycamore, IL on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

SYCAMORE – Illinois State Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, announced the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded a $13,363.98 grant to the Sycamore Fire Department and $26,000 grant to the Burlington Community Fire Protection District as part of the state’s 2021 Small Equipment Grant Program.

According to a Tuesday news release from Keicher’s office, the program is meant to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. The grant program is meant to help alleviate funding shortages that have long caused difficulties for local fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, according to the release.

“Our local firefighters deserve more accolades and support than we can ever give them,” Keicher said in the release. “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.”

Sycamore Fire Chief Peter Polarek said in the release the city’s department appreciates Keicher’s support in funding the program.

“We are grateful to receive a grant award which will be used to purchase vital equipment to support our mission,” Polarek said in the release.

A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments and districts, along with other emergency and medical service providers, across the state. The fire marshal’s office received 448 applications, requesting around $10.5 million in funding for this grant period, according to the release.

For more information, contact Keicher’s office at 815-748-3494.

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