Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) presented the Roberts Park Fire Protection District with a $234,733 grant which was awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for new protective breathing apparatuses.

“Federal funding is needed to meet the increased demands being placed on our nation's first responders,” said Rep. Lipinski. “This grant will allow the Roberts Park Fire Protection District to purchase much needed new equipment and build upon their already impressive record of service to the communities they protect.”

“Our department is using SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatuses) that are 12-13 years old and have reached the end of their service life,” said Roberts Park Fire Protection District Chief Jeff Ketchen. “The SCBA is the single most important piece of protective equipment a firefighter uses. These grant dollars will fund new SCBAs and other equipment and will provide our firefighters with the latest innovations to keep them safe during emergency events.”

FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides needed federal funds to fire departments and emergency medical service organizations in order to improve the response capabilities of our nation's first responders and the safety of our communities.