State Fire Marshal’s office announces $6 million in small equipment grants

By Tribune Staff • The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today the recipients of the 2026 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $6 million was awarded to 260 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

“It is essential that our first responders have the funding and equipment they need to serve their communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am proud to support our brave firefighters and EMS providers and this state program helps deliver vital resources to emergency service departments across Illinois.”

This program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. The OSFM received 355 applications, requesting around $8.1 million in funding for this grant period.

“The Small Equipment Grant Program is a vital resource that helps fire departments and EMS providers acquire essential tools and equipment they might otherwise be unable to afford,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “As we travel throughout Illinois, we consistently hear about the challenges departments face and the critical needs that exist in their communities. The OSFM remains committed to supporting our first responders by investing in programs like this that strengthen their capabilities, enhance public safety and ensure they have the resources needed to serve and protect the people of Illinois.”

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protections districts, township fire departments, and stand-alone, nonprofit ambulance service providers were eligible to apply. All fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire department applicants were required to participate in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS) for a minimum of two years prior to applying.