Romeoville Fire Department Receives Grant For Rescue Equipment

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The Romeoville Fire Department will be able to purchase critical rescue equipment used in vehicle extractions after it recently received a grant from Illinois American Water after it one of 90 departments statewide to share $92,000 in grant funding.

The Romeoville Fire Department will purchase telescoping rams for its heavy rescue unit that is used in the extraction process on emergency calls, according to a news release.

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

“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, president of Illinois American Water said in a news 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.

“The Romeoville Fire Department would like to thank IAW for choosing us as the recipient for this year's American Water Firefighter grant,” Romeoville Fire Chief Kent Adams said in the news release. “This money will be used to purchase specialty equipment for our heavy rescue response vehicle. We have a large amount of industry, as well as high traffic volume in the Romeoville response area.

"By adding newer and innovative equipment, we can improve our effectiveness when responding to complex incidents. This grant program routinely helps us achieve our mission as an emergency response organization. We couldn’t be more grateful for their support.”