Seven area fire departments receive grants from Illinois American Water

STREATOR – Area fire departments will be receiving a grant thanks to Illinois American Water’s 2020 program. Over $87,000 will be shared by 88 Illinois fire departments statewide. Since the program was created in 2010, over 680 grants totaling over $668,000 have been awarded to fire and emergency organizations across Illinois.
“We know how important water is in protecting homes and businesses. We also understand the impact of the pandemic on our first responders. This is why we approved every grant we received in full this year, supporting our local heroes in a meaningful way,” said Justin Ladner, Illinois American Water President. “Some of the departments will use the grant funds for pandemic-related needs, while others will allocate the funds for communication tools, extraction equipment, training resources, and more.”
Illinois American Water maintains over 32,000 fire hydrants across the state.
Allen Township Fire Protection District, Dana Fire Protection District, Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, Leonore Volunteer Fire Department, Pontiac Fire Department, Reading Volunteer Fire Department and Streator Fire Department all will be receiving a portion of the grants available.
Illinois American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program awards funds to support firefighter needs such as personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training materials and classroom programs.