OTTAWA, IL – Ottawa Fire is set to receive a vital boost of over $700,000 in federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) made the announcement, highlighting the significance of the funds as Ottawa’s emergency services face heightened strain. The closure of St. Margaret’s hospitals in Peru and Spring Valley has amplified the demand on local first responders.
The funding, part of FEMA’s Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program, aims to fortify Ottawa’s emergency services. It will enable the Fire Department to expand its workforce by hiring new firefighters, rehiring those affected by potential layoffs, and enhancing the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.
Representative Underwood, a member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, expressed her commitment to community safety. She emphasized that the grant will provide crucial relief to Ottawa’s emergency services and applauded the dedication of local first responders.
In addition to the SAFER funds, Underwood is working to secure $1 million in Community Project Funding for the construction of a modern ambulance and fire station. This investment aims to further improve emergency response capabilities in Ottawa.
FEMA’s SAFER Program, administered in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, plays a pivotal role in equipping local fire departments to effectively respond to emergencies. Ottawa’s receipt of these funds promises a stronger and more resilient emergency response system for the community.
