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 the following 15th District fire departments have earned federal matching dollar awards: 

Woodland Fire Protection District                  $36,510                          Iroquois County
Melvin Fire Department                                 $6304                             Ford 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 Melvin F.D. and Woodland F.P.D. will help implement the Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Programs. This will improve training of personnel and modernization of equipment in the department.  The federal dollars come from the ‘Assistance to Firefighters Program.’

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