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EVANSTON,
IL – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today announced that the
Niles and Morton Grove fire departments have been awarded much-needed federal
funds at a time when local first responders are struggling to meet growing
demands.
The
Homeland Security Department grants, provided under the Assistance to Firefighter
Grant (AFG) program, could be used by the local fire departments, for example,
to purchase new equipment, expand fire prevention and safety programs or
to improve firefighter health and safety programs.
Morton
Grove received $56,773 to purchase and install a vehicle exhaust extraction
system on both village fire stations to reduce by up to 99% diesel exhaust.
Niles
was awarded $63,609 and the funds will be used to upgrade self-contained
breathing equipment and to replace aging portable radios. The new
radios would be equipped with an emergency identification feature to aid
in the location of downed firefighters.
“Local
budgets are stretched to the max, but firefighters and first responders
continue to ensure our safety and security, whatever the cost. While
these funds come at a critical time for our firefighters, I strongly believe
that the Bush Administration must invest even more in local needs,” Schakowsky
said. |
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