Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) has announced that the Collinsville, Maryville, and Troy Fire Departments have been awarded a Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG).  The AFG program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

“Our area will be safer for both first responders and those they serve, thanks to this funding,” Shimkus said.

The $386,744 grant, under the Operations and Safety category, will allow fire departments in Collinsville, Maryville, and Troy to obtain interoperable digital radio equipment that will be compatible with agencies such as the Illinois State Police and Madison County Sheriff’s Department.

“These departments are to be commended for the hard work put forth to obtain these competitive grants,” Shimkus said. “My office can assist with fire grants or any other federal grant program application. Just contact my Collinsville office at 618-344-3065.”

Fire departments and non hospital-affiliated emergency medical services are eligible for AFG grants. Those serving less than 20,000 residents are required to provide a five-percent non-federal match for the one-year Operations and Safety grants. Departments serving between 20,000 and 50,000 residents must provide a 10-percent match, and larger departments must provide a 20-percent match.