Washington, D.C. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) are awarding fire departments nationwide, millions of dollars in grants this month to focus on interdepartmental fire operations and fire safety.  U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (IL 15) is proud to report that these 15^th District fire departments have earned federal matching dollar awards: 

                       Atwood F.P.D.                          $8,505                        Douglas County

                       Carroll F.P.D. (Urbana)             $9,572                        Champaign County

                       West Union F.P.D.                    $10,260                      Clark County

“Fire departments and other emergency professionals throughout my district really are on the front lines when it comes to securing this country,” said Rep. Johnson.  “In the larger cities and the rural towns around Illinois, fire departments provide excellent service to the individual communities and I am always willing to assist in their earning FEMA grants.  It is critical that we keep our emergency professionals prepared for any situation that can arise, especially during this time of heightened awareness in America.” 

The FEMA and USFA dollars coming to the Atwood, Urbana and West Union Fire Protection Districts will help implement the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Programs. This will improve training of personnel and modernization of equipment in these departments.  The federal dollars come from the ‘Assistance to Firefighters Program.’

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