The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is stepping up to the plate for fire departments statewide, announcing an application period for its Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program – a fresh initiative aimed at funding the building and updating of local fire stations. Offering grants of up to $350,000, the program has carved out a total of $5 million to aid departments in creating environments that are safe and well-suited for housing modern firefighting equipment.
With a deadline of February 28, 2025, for submissions, OSFM is calling on departments in need to apply. "We continue to see and hear the need of fire departments across Illinois. As the cost of equipment and fire apparatus increase, the need to store these assets in an adequate station that doesn't leak and is free of any hazards will help to keep the Illinois firefighters safer and help equipment last longer," OSFM's Chief James A. Rivera, emphasized his point, also expressing gratitude towards Governor JB Pritzker for his commitment to the fire service industry through supportive initiatives like this one.
To qualify for the grant program, fire departments must meet specific eligibility requirements, including active registration with SAM.gov and the state’s Grantee Portal, as well as compliance with the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for at least two years prior to applying. This involves reporting all incidents from December 2022 through November 2024.
Departments interested in applying or learning more about the program can visit the OSFM website for detailed guidelines and resources. This initiative offers departments a valuable opportunity to enhance their service capabilities and better serve their communities.
