Elmhurst Firefighters Getting New Breathing Devices with Federal Grant Award

The Elmhurst Fire Department was awarded federal grant money to replace 38 Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses used by firefighters and rescue workers during emergencies.

The department’s current SCBAs don’t meet National Fire Protection Association standards, and frequent malfunctions needed costly repairs, according to a letter Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05) wrote in support for the grant.

“As the only Illinois member on the House Appropriations Committee, one of my main responsibilities is driving federal dollars back home to Chicago and the Fifth District,” Quigley said in a statement. “Grants like the one awarded to the Elmhurst Fire Department directly support one of the core roles of government – protecting its citizens. I’m proud to fight for increased funding for these grants and drive some of that back home to Elmhurst.”

The Elmhurst Fire Department responded to over 6,000 calls in 2013, serving a population of 44,121 over 10.25 square miles, according to Quigley’s letter.

The funds, amounting $200,910, were awarded through the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program, which was created to give grants to fire departments, non-affiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations and state fire training academies.