McHenry County Blog

This press release was just received from 16th congressional district Congressman Don Manzullo:

[ROCKFORD] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) today announced the Fox River Grove Fire Protection District has received a $68,864 federal grant for fire operations and firefighter training.

The grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security helps local fire departments, rescue squads and ambulance services with the purchase of firefighting equipment, funds firefighter health and safety programs, enhances emergency medical services programs, and funds fire prevention and safety programs.

Fox River Grove fire officials plan to use the funds to purchase 36 sets of new firefighter turnout gear, which includes helmets, coats, pants, gloves, etc. The new turnout gear will replace the old firefighter gear, which doesn't meet current standards. The Fox River Grove Fire Protection District previously received an $82,000 grant several years ago to purchase a vehicle exhaust system and portable radios for the department.

"I want to congratulate the Fox River Grove Fire Protection District and Chief Kreher for putting together the proposal that won this extremely competitive grant," Manzullo said. "These funds will help the brave firefighters in Fox River Grove better protect the residents of the community."

This is the fire department that performed such yeoman work almost 11 years ago when the horrendous train-school bus accident occurred. It's station is located right next to the grade crossing.

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Front row (left to right):
Laura Nick, Michael Abrams, Lt. Eldee Jackson, Capt. Angelo Martell, Chief Robert Kreher, Asst. Chief James Kreher, Capt. Don Kublank, Lt. Tom Anderson, Ed Zbacnik, Dan Hughes, Jim Kreherc

Back Row (left to right):
Tim Nickc, Kyle Dodgec, Shawn Quigel, David Wydra, Michael Kernal, Matthew Figas , Katrina Miller, Robert Tangen, Skip Etters, Michael Hagedorn, Dan Pagels, Byran Kunz, Rich Kreher, Matthew Vergin, Lenny Murray, Aaron Muhs, Dan Mates, Sean O'Donnell, Paul Tousey

Not Pictured:
Lt. Jason Kedrok, Chief Eng. Peter Mehlman, Doug Mattson, Dan Riggio, John Florine, James Klein, James Brenner, Chris Bremner, Nick Schaefer, James Crichett, Michael Martellc, Heather Schaeferc, Katie Andersonc

(Jim Kreher, Tim Nick, Kyle Dodge, Michael MartellHeather Schaefer and Katie Anderson are identified as “cadets.”)