Joliet fire agency gets $200,000 in federal funds

Federal officials say a suburban Chicago fire department will get nearly $200,000 in a grant to be used for operations and safety.

The Joliet Municipal Fire Department will receive money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Sen. Dick Durbin announced the award Wednesday.

The money comes through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's firefighters grant program. The goal is to strengthen the country's preparedness and ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards.

Illinois received 240 awards in 2009 which totaled $25.4 million.