SOUTH WILMINGTON – The South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department will receive $26,000 in state funding for new equipment, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Thursday.

“Local fire departments are often times underfunded and have to raise money on their own,” Joyce said. “These grants will help South Wilmington purchase lifesaving equipment, so they can better respond to emergencies in our community.” 

South Wilmington Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $26,000 through the Small Equipment Grant Program.  

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded the grant to give Illinois first responders the opportunity to replace or upgrade aging equipment they may otherwise not be able to purchase.

“We are using the small equipment grant funds for three portable radios which enhance our line of communication with dispatch and other agencies,” said South Wilmington Fire Chief Monti Serena.

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal awarded a total of $2.5 million to 104 fire departments, districts and EMS providers across the state.