09/24/2026
🚒 BIG NEWS FOR COLONA COMMUNITY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT! 🚒
We are proud and excited to announce that the Colona Community Fire Protection District has been awarded a $30,000 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)!
This grant funding directly invests in the safety of our team and the strength of our service to you:
🔥 Wildland/Rescue Gear: We were awarded this funding to purchase dedicated gear. Thanks to this grant, each firefighter will be getting a complete set of coat, pants, boots, helmet, goggles, and gloves designed specifically to protect them during challenging rescue and wildland fire incidents.
🎓 Leadership Development: Funding tuition for the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Program Certification—delivered through the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) and the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA)—to advance the operational leadership and management of our department.
Why This Equipment Matters:
Traditional structural firefighting gear is designed for interior building fires and weighs upwards of 40–50 lbs. Wearing heavy, multi-layer turnout gear during outdoor operations or prolonged technical rescues creates severe heat stress, exhaustion, and restricts necessary movement. Specialized wildland/rescue gear is lightweight, flame-resistant, and breathable—giving our firefighters maximum protection, agility, and heat protection during outdoor brush fires and technical rescue calls.
Why This Is Great for Our Fire Department & Community:
Enhanced Firefighter Safety: Proper, specialized rescue and wildland gear reduces heat stress and improves mobility while giving our crew maximum protection. Providing a full, dedicated set ensures every member is fully equipped for these specific hazards.
Superior Incident Leadership: Advanced CFO certification equips our leadership team with high-level tactical and operational training, ensuring safer, more efficient responses on every call.
Fiscal Responsibility: Securing external federal grant funds allows us to modernize critical safety equipment and training without increasing the financial burden on local taxpayers.
A huge thank you to our grant team, whose hard work and dedication made this funding possible! We also extend our gratitude to FEMA and our community for the ongoing support as we continuously work to protect the Colona Community !
