Local Fire Departments Receive $33,000 in Grant Funds

Marking $2 million in grants awarded by Fireman’s Fund to fire departments in Illinois, the Dolton and Summit Fire Departments are receiving $33,000 for a new engine and “turnout gear.” The grant is awarded by Mesirow Insurance Services and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company.

Like many fire departments across the country, the Dolton Fire Department struggles to purchase critical equipment with a limited budget. In fact, Dolton firefighters have been making do without an engine for its pumper truck for some time, meaning there is one less responding unit in the event of an emergency. Thanks to a $19,389 grant from Mesirow Insurance Services and Fireman’s Fund, the Dolton Fire Department is purchasing a new engine for its pumper truck. This will improve the fire department’s ability to provide a rapid response to the Village of Dolton and its 25,000 residents.

“Limited budgets often prevent us from purchasing equipment we need,” said Fire Chief Terence Hughes of the Dolton Fire Department. “We truly appreciate this generous grant. It fills a large void and helps us better serve the community.”

Turnout gear is the most important equipment a firefighter has when responding to an emergency. This gear includes the fire-resistant clothing firefighters wear when responding to incidents like fires or major vehicle crashes, protecting them from exposure to chemicals, heat and flames. Specifically, the Summit Fire Department will be using its $14,009 grant to replace coats and pants that are seven years past life expectancy.

“Firefighters depend on this gear for protection from a variety of hazards,” added Summit Fire Department Chief, Richard Gallaga. “This grant enables us to provide a high level of service to our community while keeping our firefighters safe.”

“Supporting firefighters for safer communities was one of the founding principles of Fireman’s Fund back in 1863,” adds Andrew Torrance, president and chief executive officer of Fireman’s Fund. “As we celebrate our 150^th anniversary, we must not only reflect on the company’s many accomplishments, but we must look to the future and how we support the challenges faced by firefighters today. We are pleased to celebrate this important milestone of our grant program with Mesirow Insurance Services.”

The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. This year, Fireman’s Fund celebrates its 150^th anniversary. Founded with a social mission to support the fire service, Fireman’s Fund today awards grants to fire service organizations for life-saving equipment, firefighter training and community education programs. Since 2004, Fireman’s Fund has awarded grants to more than 1,900 different organizations totaling more than $30 million – including $2 million in Illinois. Independent insurance agencies and brokers that sell Fireman’s Fund products, like Mesirow Insurance Services, are able to direct these grants to support the fire service.

Through this program, Mesirow Insurance Services has directed over $140,000 in grants to fire departments nationwide.

“We are honored to support the fire service and the communities they serve in partnership with Fireman’s Fund,” said Gina Wachtel of Mesirow Insurance Services. “Giving back to the community is an important value that we share.”

Source: Fireman’s Fund