The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal Awards Grants to Fire Departments Across St. Clair County

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal Awards Grants to Fire Departments Across St. Clair County

Cahokia Heights, IL…The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced the recipients of the 2026 Small Equipment Grant, which included seven awardees from St. Clair County. State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) said first responders in St. Clair County will benefit greatly from receiving these funds to improve community safety.

“Our first responders go to great lengths to keep our communities safe and I’m happy to see local fire departments, fire protection districts, and EMS programs prioritized,” Schmidt said. “Many fire departments and fire protection districts across the 114th District rely on volunteers, so grants like these are a great way to improve the way they operate and ensure that the first responders are equipped to keep us safe.”

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts, township fire departments, and stand-alone, nonprofit ambulance service providers were eligible to apply if they fall under program requirements. This program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for departments and ambulance services. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment they may not otherwise be able to purchase.

A total of $6 million was awarded to 260 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The Small Equipment Grant program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

St. Clair County communities receiving funding:

For more information, please contact Rep. Schmidt’s office at (618)-215-1050

Representative Kevin Schmidt represents the 114^th District, which includes a portion of St. Clair County. 

###