Elgin to consider defibrillator grant

Bill Freiberg, a retired Elgin deputy fire chief, is the first to admit he’s not getting any younger. As a member of the Owls Athletic Club, Freiberg realized a need for more Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) machines in clubs like his.

Over the last two years, Freiberg has worked with the Elgin United Civic Association to advocate for more AED machines to help save lives of those who go into sudden cardiac arrest. Freiberg quickly got other people on board but eventually hit a wall.

“We had everything we needed except for money,” Freiberg said.

Elgin City Council members will consider launching a defibrillator grant program at their committee of the whole meeting Wednesday to award seven machines to various service, nonprofit and faith-based organizations. The price tag is $10,500.

Councilman Richard Dunne, a VFW commander, is also a member of the Elgin United Civic Association, which pulls together many of the charitable organizations in the city. He said he supports the creation of the grant program, especially because some organizations are under state mandate to purchase the expensive equipment.

“Without any support it makes it difficult for them,” Dunne said.

The grant program, as proposed, would give a machine to seven organizations, require them to maintain it, get CPR and defibrillator training for at least four of their members, adopt a defibrillator policy and protocol and provide at least 50 hours of volunteer service within one year of the award.

Aaron Cosentino, management analyst for the city, said the volunteer component ensures Elgin will get a return on its investment.

“It’s a mutually beneficial program,” Cosentino said. “They get lifesaving equipment and we get volunteer hours.”

Cosentino and Dunne both said the hope is that the program will be able to continue beyond these seven machines, but its future would be uncertain based on upcoming budget discussions.

Council members will discuss the program at their committee of the whole meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. in the council chambers of city hall, 150 Dexter Court.