Excerpts from the journalreview.com:

Calumet City, Flossmoor, Crete Township, and South Holland fire departments have received a combined total of $610,000 in grant money to improve their stations and get equipment that will increase firefighter safety.

The Calumet City Fire Department was awarded a $142,000 grant, which will go toward updating two of its fire station’s ventilation systems to air out toxic vehicle exhaust fumes. The department will also use the funds to buy 15 sets of turnout gear and 38 helmets.

They previously had been awarded multiple grants through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which provided the department with a mobile training simulator, specialized training props, personal protective equipment and a special response vehicle.

In 2018, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program made $315 million directly available to fire department, state fire training academies, and emergency medical service organizations to buy equipment, emergency vehicles and fund training.

The Flossmoor Fire Department received $222,345 and will buy emergency breathing equipment, replacing equipment that was nearly 20 years old.

The Crete Township Fire Protection District was awarded $52,380 and plans to install fire station vehicle exhaust systems. South Holland Fire Department was given $193,409 to buy new air packs.

Tags: Crete Township Fire Protection District, Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, federal grant money for Calumet City Fire Department, Flossmoor Fire Department, South Holland Fire Department