Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department & Granite City Firefighters Local 253 Awarded FY26 Small Equipment Grants

GraniteCityGossip.com, June 7, 2025

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal has announced its FY26 Small Equipment Grant recipients, awarding $6 million statewide to help fire departments and EMS providers purchase essential tools and gear they might otherwise struggle to afford. The program, created to support departments facing financial hardship, provides grants of up to $26,000 for items such as protective equipment, radios, hoses, and other mission‑critical tools that keep firefighters safe and effective.

Since its inception, the Small Equipment Grant Program has helped hundreds of Illinois departments modernize equipment, improve safety, and maintain readiness—especially smaller or volunteer agencies that rely heavily on limited local funding.

This year, two Madison County departments serving our communities received awards:

Granite City Fire Department – $25,988.38
Long Lake Volunteer Fire Department – $25,827.48

Both departments continue to demonstrate exceptional commitment to public safety, and these grants will directly support their ability to protect residents and respond to emergencies with the equipment they need.

Granite City and Long Lake’s firefighters, career and volunteer, deserve recognition for their dedication, professionalism, and service. Congratulations to both departments on securing this year’s funding and for the vital work they do every day for our community.