OSFM announces $4M for small firefighting, ambulance equipment

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced the application period is open for the Small Equipment Grant Program.

Officials say the OSFM will award $4 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. All interested departments should send an application to OSFM electronically or postmarked no later than October 1.

“My goal as Illinois State Fire Marshal is to help enhance programs such as our Small Equipment Grant Program to provide as much funding as possible for departments/districts across the state. We hear the need daily, and departments shouldn’t have to decide between putting fuel in their trucks or providing the needed equipment for their members to protect their communities safely and effectively,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera.

Officials explain the Small Equipment Grant Program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 to eligible departments. A total of $4 million was awarded to 168 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state during the last grant cycle in April.

Officials say this program is an approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for the fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The grants allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small tools and equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. In addition to firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE), applicants can also apply for personal infection control items such as masks, gowns and gloves this application cycle. Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire departments are eligible to apply. In addition, stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers are eligible to apply.

Officials note all applicants are required to have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for a minimum of two years prior to applying. The OSFM will require departments to be current from October 2022 through September 2024. Fire departments are required to report all incidents responded to, including ambulance calls.

Additional information including the application can be found here . Completed applications should be submitted to: Office of the State Fire Marshal Small Equipment Grant Program 1035 Stevenson Drive Springfield, IL 62703.

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