Excerpts from fox32chicago.com:

The Calumet City Fire Department received a federal grant for close to $1.9 million awarded by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security. The check was presented during a ceremony at city hall on Monday, and the nearly $1.9 million will be used to upgrade the department’s emergency fleet and equipment.

This is especially crucial for Calumet City, as its closest hospital — Franciscan Health Hammond, formerly St Margaret’s — closed a few months ago. The closure adds transport time during responses and additional strain on the department.

“The SAFER Grant will provide $1.9 million as was stated for three years, and unlike others, this is 100 percent funded,” said Fire Chief Glenn Bachert.

“These funds will allow Calumet City to hire more firefighters, and ensure that our fire department has the necessary staffing levels to keep our communities safe. The grant will also support operations and safety measures that will further strengthen our emergency response capabilities,” said Rep. Kelly.

For the Calumet City mayor, the donation hits close to home after a recent accident and how the department came to his rescue.

thanks Dennis