Area News

Local Fire Depts. Receive State Small Equipment Grants

Two fire protection districts in the area are among the 260 recipients statewide of the 2026 Small Equipment Grant Program, announced by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

The Dallas Rural Fire Protection District was awarded $25,363.80, while the Oquawka Fire Protection District received the full maximum award of $26,000. 

These funds will enable both departments to acquire small equipment that directly enhances their emergency response capabilities.

The program distributed $6 million in total to help fire departments, fire protection districts, and EMS providers purchase essential small firefighting and ambulance equipment. 

Grants of up to $26,000 each address longstanding funding challenges, especially for smaller and rural departments that struggle to afford critical tools through local revenue alone.

“It is essential that our first responders have the funding and equipment they need to serve their communities,” Governor JB Pritzker stated. 

“I am proud to support our brave firefighters and EMS providers, and this state program helps deliver vital resources to emergency service departments across Illinois.”

“The Small Equipment Grant Program is a vital resource that helps fire departments and EMS providers acquire essential tools and equipment they might otherwise be unable to afford,” Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. 

“The OSFM remains committed to supporting our first responders by investing in programs like this that strengthen their capabilities, enhance public safety, and ensure they have the resources needed to serve and protect the people of Illinois.”