SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt to expand grant opportunities for volunteer fire departments has been signed into law.
“When there’s an emergency, people don’t care if the firefighter responding is full time or part time, so access to state grants should reflect that,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The law gives volunteer departments access to resources they need to maintain facilities, upgrade equipment and continue protecting our communities.”
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The new law will allow the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal to create and award rehabilitation and construction grants to volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts. Currently, many volunteer departments are ineligible for state funding opportunities available through the Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program.
Volunteer fire departments play a critical role in providing emergency services throughout Illinois, particularly in rural and underserved communities. However, many departments operate on limited budgets and rely heavily on local fundraising efforts and community support to maintain their stations and equipment.
In St. Clair County alone, the majority of fire departments and fire protection districts are volunteer organizations. Expanding eligibility for state grants will help departments address critical infrastructure needs, make facility improvements and better serve residents.
Senate Bill 2645 was signed into law on Friday.
