Local leaders and fire chiefs across Illinois have long called for more state support to modernize aging firehouses, many of which were built over half a century ago and struggle to accommodate today’s larger fire trucks, new equipment, and expanded service demands. For some departments, the new funding will allow them to add basic necessities like updated sleeping quarters, modern heating and cooling systems, or space for training and community outreach programs.

Rural fire districts often rely heavily on volunteer firefighters who balance service with other full-time jobs. Upgrading these stations can help recruit and retain volunteers by creating safer, more functional workspaces.

“This funding is really a game changer for small communities like ours,” said a fire chief in one of the recipient towns. “When your station is falling apart, it makes it harder to do our job and keep good people on the team. Now we can finally fix what’s needed and focus on serving our neighbors.”

The Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office noted that the inaugural program attracted strong interest from departments statewide, highlighting the widespread need for facility repairs and new builds. The state’s goal is to keep the program funded in future budgets, expanding opportunities for other districts to apply.

Governor Pritzker said he hopes these investments will strengthen local resilience and reduce response times for emergencies in Illinois’ small towns and rural areas. “Every second counts when a fire call comes in,” Pritzker said. “Making sure our firefighters have safe, modern stations gives them the tools to save lives and protect property.”

As the 16 projects move forward, communities will see not only safer firehouses but also local economic benefits through construction jobs and purchases from local contractors and suppliers.

Many of the fire departments plan to break ground on repairs and new builds later this year, with several targeting completion by late 2025.

State officials say they will track the impact of this first round of grants through annual reports from each department, which must detail how the funding is spent and how improvements benefit public safety.

The hope is that this new approach will lay the groundwork for long-term upgrades to Illinois’ emergency services infrastructure — and help ensure every firefighter, no matter how rural their community, has a safe place to work and serve.

Originally reported by Brian Sapp in WSIU.