Fire departments across Illinois are receiving nearly $2.7 million in federal grants to help pay for equipment and training.
U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth announced the grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Durbin says it's critical that men and women who risk their lives to protect people have "the best training and tools possible to do their jobs well."
The money will be used to buy firefighting and emergency vehicles, personal protective equipment and training. Some departments also are getting funds to increase staff.
The departments receiving money are located in Stickney, Grand Chain, Crestwood, Mineral, Summit, Schiller Park, Alton and Frankfort.
