ILLINOIS — In a move aimed at strengthening emergency response in underserved areas, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM) have announced $5 million in grant funding for the development and rehabilitation of fire stations across the state, particularly in rural communities.
The funds come from the newly launched Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program, which awarded grants to 16 departments and districts to help them upgrade equipment, modernize facilities, and bolster public safety infrastructure.
Targeting Rural Needs First
“These inaugural grants are a crucial lifeline for fire departments across the state — especially those in rural areas — to improve their facilities and equipment,” said Governor Pritzker, emphasizing the long-term impact on firefighter safety and emergency response.
The grants will help departments carry out critical repairs, new construction, and infrastructure updates often deferred due to lack of resources. The funding targets areas with limited tax bases or outdated buildings, giving rural departments a long-awaited boost.
Grants Range from $28K to $350K
Each of the 16 awardees received between $28,415 and $350,000, with recipients including:
- Tamms Fire Department
- Village of Chapin Fire Department
- Departments spanning Alexander to White Counties
The grantees were selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) application process.
“This program directly helps keep both communities and the firefighters who serve them safer,” said State Fire Marshal Michele L. Pankow, who also thanked her predecessors for securing the funds. “This funding allows smaller departments to build or rebuild stations they’ve needed for years.”
Program Reflects Broader Safety Push
The initiative is part of OSFM’s expanded efforts to secure funding for departments lacking access to federal or local grants, especially in communities where volunteer firefighters and aging infrastructure dominate.
Officials say the long-term goal is to ensure more equitable access to fire protection resources statewide, including future rounds of construction support.
Interested departments are encouraged to monitor the OSFM website for future grant opportunities and updates on the program’s progress.
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