Oak Forest Fire Department receives more than $285,000 to purchase new equipment

Thanks to a $285,819 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Oak Forest Fire Department will be able to replace mission-critical gear that is more than 10 years old.

“We are extremely grateful to receive this award, which fills a tremendous safety need for our emergency responders, “said Oak Forest Fire Department Chief Jack Janozik. “I am very proud of our staff, who worked incredibly hard on the grant application.”

As part of the grant’s requirements, the fire department will contribute $28,581 toward the purchase of 28 breathing air pack harnesses, 56 cylinders and 44 air masks. In addition, 44 firefighters will receive a complete set of personal protective clothing, including helmets and boots.

FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program enhances the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire-related hazards by providing direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, non-affiliated emergency medical services organizations, and state fire training academies for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.