By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Illinois American Water is accepting applications for the 2017 Firefighter Grant Program through September 8.

Spokesperson Karen Cotton said they have given out 350 grants and more than $342,000 since 2010, and gave some examples of how local departments used their grant money.

“Last year, the Saunemin Fire District used their $750 grant to support the purchase of equipment that cuts farm machinery and vehicles and other objects during the rescue of an accident victim. So that’s really important in that rural fire department. In Pontiac, they used their grant last year to purchase a hydrant flow test kit, and that helps to gauge accuracy of flowing hydrants and also minimize damage when a hydrant is flowing,” Cotton said.

Cotton said departments should send a letter or email with a description of the organization seeking support, information of the project in need of funding, problems and challenges the project may address, project budget and information about other sources of support. For more information, email Cotton at [email protected]. This program is for departments in the Illinois American Water service areas.