Bolingbrook Fire Dept Receives Grant From Illinois American Water

BOLINGBROOK, IL – The Bolingbrook Fire Department will be purchasing a RescueBlox step chock, thanks to a grant from Illinois American Water, a news release states.

The IAW 2021 Firefighter Grant Program provides financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations serving communities in its service areas, according to a release from Illinois American Water. This year, over $92,000 will be shared by over 90 Illinois fire departments.

Since 2010, over 770 grants totaling over $760,000 have been awarded to Illinois fire and emergency organizations in the company’s service area, the company said.

“We know the importance and value water has in protecting homes and businesses; we also understand the need to support our local heroes. This program allows us to continue to provide support to the local departments,” Justin Ladner, Illinois American Water President, said in a release.

Illinois American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program awards grants to provide personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training materials and classroom programs.

Bolingbrook Fire Chief Jeff LaJoie thanked Illinois American Water during the check presentation.

“The Bolingbrook Fire Department values Illinois American Water’s Firefighter Grant Program and we thank them for awarding us this grant. The grant will help the department purchase a RescueBlox step chock, made from 18 pounds of aerospace aluminum. This will provide a piece of equipment used for stabilizing vehicles and machinery during rescue efforts and will replace the current ‘homemade’ step chocks crafted from lumber.”

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