, August 25, 2025
News Summary
In a Shawneetown ceremony, the state awarded significant grants to three Southern Illinois fire departments to repair, upgrade or build stations and buy equipment. Shawneetown and Carrier Mills each received $350,000 while Equality was awarded $300,000. These awards are part of the inaugural Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program, which distributed $5 million to 16 grantees statewide. The state fire marshal highlighted complementary programs including a 0% interest truck and ambulance revolving loan and a small equipment grant program for gear like air packs. Funds will move into planning, procurement and construction according to local timelines.
State awards fire station construction grants at Shawneetown event; local departments receive $350,000 and $300,000
Three Southern Illinois fire departments were presented with state funding at a ceremony in Shawneetown. The Shawneetown Fire Department and the Carrier Mills Fire Department each received $350,000, while the Equality Fire Department was awarded $300,000. The awards were part of the inaugural Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program, a statewide effort to repair, upgrade, or build new fire stations.
Key facts first
The presentation in Shawneetown was led by the state fire marshal. At the event, reports noted combined local funding totals in different ways: some accounts described the three Southern Illinois departments as receiving a combined $1 million, while other reports indicated more than $1.5 million was presented to local departments at the visit. Separately, the statewide inaugural awards under the program totaled $5 million distributed to 16 grantees across Illinois.
What the money will do
The new program provides grants of up to $350,000 to help fire departments repair, upgrade, or construct stations. Recipients were selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that was open to municipal fire departments, fire protection districts, and township fire departments. The awards are meant to improve safety and infrastructure so departments can better protect firefighters and their communities.
On-site demonstrations and other state programs
At the Shawneetown event, Carrier Mills officials displayed a recently purchased fire engine that was bought using a revolving loan program for vehicles. That Fire Truck and Ambulance Revolving Loan Program offers 0% interest loans to help departments cover high vehicle costs. Shawneetown showed new air packs bought with funds from a Small Equipment Grant Program aimed at helping departments purchase costly protective gear.
Local leaders at the event described the state programs as essential for departments facing limited budgets and rising equipment costs. Shawneetown’s main station dates back to 1984, and officials noted that without state support the department would have little chance to afford both equipment and planned building renovations. Officials in Carrier Mills emphasized that modern fire trucks can cost well over $350,000 and that low-interest loan options are a practical lifeline for small departments.
Statewide award list (2025 Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program)
The inaugural round of grants awarded funding to 16 recipients. The list below shows the county, department and award amount.
- Alexander: Tamms Fire Department — $71,011
- Gallatin: Equality Fire Department — $300,000
- Gallatin: Shawneetown Fire Department — $350,000
- Hamilton: McLeansboro Fire Department — $350,000
- Jackson: Village of Gorham Volunteer Fire Department — $350,000
- Johnson: Buncombe Fire Department — $350,000
- Johnson: Vienna Fire Department — $350,000
- Marion: Kell Community Fire Protection District — $348,000
- Mason: Bath Fire Protection District — $350,000
- Montgomery: Witt Volunteer Fire Protection District — $331,000
- Morgan: Village of Chapin Fire Department — $28,415
- Morgan: Franklin Fire Protection District — $350,000
- Pike: Spring Creek Fire Protection District — $350,000
- Saline: Carrier Mills Fire Department — $350,000
- Union: Ware-Wolf Lake Fire Protection District — $349,789
- White: Norris City Fire Protection District — $71,785
Program selection and related assistance
Grants were awarded after a competitive application process. The state fire marshal’s office operates several related aid programs aimed at improving department readiness: the Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program, the Fire Truck and Ambulance Revolving Loan Program offering 0% interest loans, and the Small Equipment Grant Program for costly gear such as air packs. Departments used combinations of these programs to update facilities, buy vehicles, and purchase safety equipment.
Next steps and local impact
Awarded funds are expected to be used for construction, renovation and equipment purchases that support firefighter safety and training. Local departments will move forward with planning and procurement and may combine grant awards with other funding tools, including revolving loans, to complete projects. Those interested in program details and future funding opportunities are directed to the state fire marshal’s office for application timelines and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program?
The program is a state initiative to help local fire departments build, renovate, or repair fire stations. It provides grant awards of up to $350,000 per project.
Who was eligible to apply?
Municipal fire departments, fire protection districts, and township fire departments were eligible to apply through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity.
How much money was awarded statewide in the inaugural round?
The inaugural round distributed $5 million to 16 grantees across the state.
Are there other programs for fire departments?
Yes. The state offers a Fire Truck and Ambulance Revolving Loan Program with 0% interest loans for vehicles and a Small Equipment Grant Program for high-cost protective gear.
How can departments find future funding opportunities?
Departments should monitor announcements from the state fire marshal’s office for future NOFOs and program updates, and follow application instructions when opportunities open.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program name | Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program |
| Statewide funding (inaugural) | $5,000,000 to 16 grantees |
| Maximum award | $350,000 per project |
| Local awards highlighted | Shawneetown $350,000; Carrier Mills $350,000; Equality $300,000 |
| Related programs | 0% loan revolving fund for vehicles; Small Equipment Grant for gear |
| Selection process | Competitive NOFO open to eligible local fire organizations |
For official application materials and future funding notices, contact the state fire marshal’s office or visit their official program pages.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- The Southern: State fire marshal’s office awards $1M to Southern Illinois fire departments
- Wikipedia: Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program (Illinois)
- WSIL-TV: Shawneetown, Carrier Mills fire stations get $1M in state grants
- Google Search: Southern Illinois fire station construction grants
- WPSD Local 6: State fire marshal’s office awards $1M to Southern Illinois fire departments
- Google Scholar: Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program Illinois
- KBSI23: Fire marshal awards $1.5 million to Southern Illinois fire departments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: fire stations grants Illinois
- RiverBender: OSFM awards $5 million for construction or rehabilitation of fire stations in Illinois
- Google News: Southern Illinois fire station grants
