Excerpts from Illinoishomepage.com:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded $410,397 to the UI’s Fire Training Academy.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the DHS’ Federal Emergency Management Agency, in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

As with anything, practice makes perfect. The same motto that’s being followed at the Illinois Fire Service Institute.

“Our statutory requirement is to train both public and private firefighters in the full spectrum of skills whether that be basic skills fire fighting or technical rescue.”

The institute prides itself on the training they provide. And Director Royal Mortenson wants to extend their reach.

“The goal of this grant request was to expand our delivery across the state.”

A federal grant will let them do that. They plan to buy some new mobile equipment. Things like an air compressor and and a fire simulation trainer.

“All with the purpose of taking training on the road to meet the needs of volunteer departments across the state that can’t or don’t have the resources to come here and take advantage of the training we have on site.”

thanks Dan