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.