Fire departments get funds for hires

A trio of area fire departments may soon benefit from more "trained, front-line" firefighters.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced about $1.8 million in grants to the Bartlett and Prospect Heights fire protection districts and the Elk Grove Village Fire Department.

The SAFER grants, which stand for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, directly fund departments to add personnel.

The Bartlett Fire Protection District was awarded nearly $950,000, the second highest amount among about 100 grants nationwide awards.

Bartlett will hire nine additional full-time firefighters in time to have its new $4.9 million, west-side station fully staffed by the time it opens this fall.

Chief Kevin Heine said the Bartlett fire district ranked in the top 85th percentile in regard to its vulnerability and need.

At the overwhelmingly part time Prospect Heights Fire Protection District, a $316,000 grant will enable it to add three full-time firefighters, bringing the total to 15 out of 68 staff.

Chief Don Gould says more full-time personnel will add stability to a force that last year saw a 6 percent increase in action over 2006 to 1,700 calls.

"This is a step in the right direction," he said.

The grants, to be paid over five years, are contingent upon approval by each department's fire board.

Trustees may be hesitant to give their OK because departments must match the funding provided by FEMA.

There won't be an issue in Bartlett, fire board President Don Wisniewski said.

The fire district is equipped to handle its hefty share, thanks to a tax hike voters passed in a 2006 referendum, which was estimated to bring in $2.3 million in revenue.

"It not only puts us in a more financially secure position, but it's also great for residents because of the extra staffing and protection," Wisniewski said.

Unlike Bartlett and Prospect Heights, Elk Grove Village's funding falls under the municipal budget.

Chief David Miller is hopeful the fire board will approve the grant, especially since officials performed a cost-benefit analysis prior to applying.

"This would be a definite windfall for the community and save a lot of money," Miller said.

Its grant would immediately allow for five additional hires, bringing the department's total to 93 full-time firefighters.