Fox32 Chicago reports that the Garden Homes Fire Protection District and the Blue Island Fire Department have been awarded federal funds:
CHICAGO (AP) – One Chicago-area fire department is receiving nearly $570,000 in federal money to beef up its first-responder capabilities.
The money for the Garden Homes Fire Protection District is the largest single chunk of money from $770,000 announced by U.S. officials on Wednesday.
The funding comes via a Department of Homeland Security program. Since 2001, it’s provided more than $5 billion in federal money for departments nationwide to pay for training, vehicles and other equipment.
Among others receiving some of the funds announced Wednesday is the Blue Island Fire Department. It will receive around $88,000. The Middletown Fire Protection District will get around $62,000.
#1 by Grumpy grizzly on April 29, 2013 - 4:18 PM
Dennis, I stand corrected. Thank you
#2 by Dennis on April 28, 2013 - 7:07 PM
Grumpy actually you need to know your facts….the department you speak of was Homewood Acres NOT Garden Homes….
#3 by Grumpy grizzly on April 28, 2013 - 3:51 PM
Ron B. Know your facts before you run YOUR mouth. This deptartment was written up 2 months ago in a newspaper article as being inept for ff duties! No training, should not be involved in supression duties. In other words stay in the house!
#4 by Scott on April 28, 2013 - 12:11 PM
They got sold the “bill of goods” by the too remain unnamed monopolist giant regarding the tracking software. The tracking software which will only involve continous monies to maintain and upgrade. And don’t forget once the corporate giant changes the technology in a few years and makes it outdated unless a substantial investment in more equipment.
#5 by FF-Medic5678 on April 28, 2013 - 10:04 AM
The grant for Garden Homes is actually a regional grant for their MABAS division. 8 different departments are getting funding from that grant. It is going for new portable radios that have accountability tracking software in them. Garden Homes was the sponsoring department so all the money initially goes to them and is then used to purchase the equipment for the included departments. Know the facts before you run your mouth.
#6 by Wayne on April 27, 2013 - 11:07 PM
Why on earth would anyone begrudge any department getting money where they can these days? Those guys bust their behinds on a volunteer basis, and they’re good at what they do. They have very little real tax base, I’m sure that money will go to good use.
#7 by THughzy41 on April 27, 2013 - 5:29 PM
New pumper probably? or big time station renovation
#8 by Grumpy grizzly on April 27, 2013 - 4:57 PM
570,000 for a one horse FPD is a joke. And yes I said horse, I know they have one “house”. Give me a break!!