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Rep. Schneider and Sens. Durbin and Duckworth Applaud Federal Grant for Waukegan Fire Department

June 29, 2017

Funds will improve ability of department to protect health and safety of public and emergency response personnel

Today, U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (IL-10), Senator Dick Durbin, and Senator Tammy Duckworth announced the award of more than $35,000 in federal funds to the Waukegan Fire Department to strengthen the ability of local firefighters to respond to fire and related hazards in the community.

The funds were awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Since Fiscal Year (FY) 2001, the AFG Program has provided approximately $6.7 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

"Our dedicated firefighters and other first responders put their lives on the line to save others, and we owe it to them to ensure they have the necessary tools, training, and resources to keep themselves and our communities safe," said Schneider. "I am very pleased the Waukegan Fire Department was selected to receive these federal funds, and I look forward to continue working with the Department and the City of Waukegan to support the important work of our local emergency response personnel."

"We must make certain that our nation's firefighters and first-responders are equipped with the best training and tools possible to do their jobs effectively," said Durbin. "The AFG Program helps ensure that when fires or other emergencies occur in our communities, firefighters have access to the resources necessary to protect them and us. I'm proud to fight for funding that will support the Waukegan Fire Department and surrounding community."

"Firefighters in communities throughout Illinois risk their lives and run toward danger when others run away, and they deserve the best resources and equipment to help keep them safe," said Duckworth. "I'm glad to join Senator Durbin and Congressman Schneider in announcing this funding to help them get it."

More information on the AFG Program is available on the FEMA website.