By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Nearly $50,000 will be awarded to 62 fire departments through Illinois American Water’s 2015 Firefighter Grant Program.  The program was created in 2010 to provide financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations serving customers in Illinois American Water’s service area.  Since creation, the program has resulted in over 280 grants totaling over $294,000 awarded across the state.

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.

Local departments receiving grants include Long Point Community Volunteer Fire Department, Reading Volunteer Fire Department, Streator Fire Department and Pontiac Fire & Rescue.