SPRINGFIELD — The office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and Gov. Bruce Rauner have announced the recipients of the Small Firefighting and Ambulance Service Equipment Grant Program, also known as the Small Equipment Grant Program.

One hundred fire departments and nonprofit ambulance services across the state received grants for the purchase of safety equipment, protective clothing, breathing apparatus and other needed tools.

The money for this grant comes from the Fire Prevention Fund. The grants total $2.2 million, with each recipient receiving up to $26,000.

In our listening area, the Beckemeyer-Wade Township Fire Protection District will receive almost $26,000; Brownstown Fire Protection District will receive more than $24,000; Jefferson Fire Protection District will receive more than $24,000; Kell Community Fire Protection District will receive nearly $26,000; and Addieville Community Fire Protection District will receive more than $24,000.

Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts, township fire departments, and stand-alone, nonprofit ambulance service providers were eligible to apply.

All fire department, fire protection district and township fire department applicants were required to have participated in the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) for a minimum of two years prior to applying.