University Park Fire Department Awarded $272,933 Federal Grant
University Park is one of a dozen south suburban fire departments to receive grant awards totaling $2.6 million
MATTESON, IL – Today, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) announced the University Park Fire Department has received a $272,933 federal grant to purchase needed equipment.
University Park is the twelfth south suburban fire department to receive a federal grant, bringing the total of funds awarded to south suburban fire departments this year to $2.6 million.
“University Park is home to one of the largest industrial parks in the country, including an Amazon fulfillment center,” Congresswoman Kelly said. “Because the risk factors are so high, it’s absolutely essential that University Park firefighters have the most updated equipment to meet the risks, protect residents and employees, and protect first responders. I’m pleased this federal grant will help University Park maintain a high level of safety and protection for the Village.”
“The grant funding awarded to the University Park Fire Department will provide us with much needed financial support to replace our Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) on all of our fire apparatus and emergency vehicles,” Brian D. Chellios, chief of the University Park Fire Department said. “This project will greatly enhance firefighter health and protection, which will improve overall public safety. We would like to thank all of our elected officials at all levels of government for their continued support of initiatives like the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.”
In addition to University Park, other south suburban municipalities receiving federal grants are:
Village of Phoenix - $38,095.24 for operations and safety equipment.
Village of East Hazel Crest - $409,523.81 for vehicle acquisition.
Beecher Fire Protection District - $57,142.86 for operations and safety equipment
Village of South Chicago Heights - $66,666.67 for operations and safety equipment
Steger Estates Fire Department - $44,657.14 for operations and safety equipment
Country Club Hills - $75,733.33 for operations and safety equipment
Chicago Heights - $279,186.36 for operations and safety equipment.
Calumet City - $201,832.73 for operations and safety equipment.
Grant Park Fire Protection District - $738,095.24 for vehicle acquisition.
Grant Park Fire Protection District - $240,952.38 for operations and safety equipment.
Village of Homewood - $175,209.52 for operations and safety equipment.
The purpose of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program is to award grants that will directly enhance the ability of fire departments, state fire training academies and non-affiliated EMS organizations to protect the health and safety of the public and first responders. During Fiscal Year 2020, AFG made $355 million directly available for the purchase of vital emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, emergency vehicles and training. Other AFG grants fund emergency medical services provided by fire departments, as well as fire prevention programs and firefighter health and safety research and development.
###