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Ill. FD receives grant to replace gear cleaning equipment

A $19,100 state grant will help the Oswego Fire Protection District replace aging extractors used to remove carcinogens from firefighters’ protective gear

Bill FR1 EMS1 news images - 2026-06-04T102614.256.jpg

Oswego Fire Protection District recruits during training.

Oswego Fire Protection District/Facebook

OSWEGO, Ill. — The Oswego Fire Protection District received a $19,100 grant from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office to help replace fire gear extractors at three stations.

The funding will allow the district to replace aging machines used to clean carcinogens and other hazardous contaminants from firefighters’ protective gear after fires, Shaw Local reported. One of the extractors has been in service for more than 20 years.

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“This grant directly supports the health and safety of our firefighters,” Oswego Fire Chief Joshua Flanders said on social media. “Ensuring our personnel have reliable equipment to properly clean their protective gear after incidents is essential in reducing exposure to carcinogens and maintaining firefighter wellness.”

The Oswego Fire Protection District serves 56 square miles across parts of Kendall and Will counties, including Oswego, Boulder Hill, parts of Montgomery, Plainfield and Yorkville. The district operates four fire stations and is planning a fifth to keep pace with growth.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.