7 fire departments receive grants from Illinois American Water

Seven fire departments in La Salle and Livingston counties were awarded grants from Illinois American Water to provide personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training materials and/or classroom programs.

Allen Township, Dana, Grand Ridge, Leonore, Long Point, Reading and Streator fire departments are among the more than 90 Illinois fire departments sharing more than $92,000 in funds from the utility company.

Since the program was created in 2010, more than 770 grants totaling more than $760,000 have been awarded to fire and emergency organizations serving customers in Illinois American Water’s service area.

“We know the importance and value water has in protecting homes and businesses; we also understand the need to support our local heroes,” said Justin Ladner, Illinois American Water president. “This program allows us to continue to provide support to the local departments.”

To view the list of fire departments receiving grants across the state, go to the news section of Illinois American Water’s website at www.illinoisamwater.com.

The firefighter grants are being announced in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 3- Oct. 9, to raise awareness about the importance of fire prevention and emergency planning. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Learn the sounds of fire safety.” It educates about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Learning the sounds of alarms will keep families safe. Learn more at www.nfpa.org.