Dupage Policy Journal

State Representative Nicole La Ha Zwiercan shared information about grants for fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services, stating, "Grants of up to $26,000 are being provided for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment." She made the announcement in an August 12 Facebook post.

"The Illinois State Fire Marshal is now accepting applications for the Small Equipment Grant Program," said La Ha Zwiercan, State Representative for 82nd District (R), according to Facebook. "Grants of up to $26,000 are being provided for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. All interested departments should send an application to OSFM electronically or postmarked no later than October 1, 2024."

According to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s website, grants up to $26,000 are available to applicants. The current funding cycle has a $4 million pot to distribute. Applicants must be compliant with the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for the previous two years to qualify for grant consideration.

Screenshot of Rep. Nicole La Ha Zwiercan's Aug. 12 Facebook post | State Representative Nicole La Ha Facebook page

The grants are intended for departments and not-for-profit ambulance services that struggle to generate money for equipment purchases. Applicants may have to provide documentation to determine their eligibility. The State Office of the Fire Marshal says most departments and non-for-profit ambulance services are eligible. Fire Departments must submit documentation of calls responded to from October 2022 through September 2024, including ambulance calls.

The application process will include a pre-review to check for NFIRS compliance, which will remove applications from organizations that are not NFIRS compliant. Previous award winners that submit applications will only be reviewed after all new organizations that have not received a grant in the past.

For this grant cycle, items considered a priority when evaluating equipment include personal infection control items such as anti-microbial wipes, boot covers, face shields, goggles, infection control kits, N-95 masks, UV and sanitizing equipment, and medical gloves; firefighter safety equipment including flashing beacon lights, flashlights, PASS devices, portable handheld radios, portable foam equipment; and EMS emergency response equipment like AED machines, ambulance-based oxygen bottles, backboards, cardiac monitors, mass casualty gear, oxygen regulators, stair chairs, portable suction units and other items.

La Ha was recently appointed to fill the vacancy in the 82nd State House District following the resignation of John Egofske. On her appointment as a candidate for Illinois State Representative District 82 in 2024, La Ha expressed gratitude on Facebook. She pledged to be a family-focused voice prioritizing safe neighborhoods, exceptional schools, and lower taxes. The appointment was announced by House Republican leaders who emphasized La Ha’s dedication to children and public safety according to DuPage Policy Journal.