Mt. Zion, IL. -  U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson today announced the award of a $147,711 grant for the Mt. Zion Fire Protection District.

   The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters grant program.

   “The Mt. Zion Fire Protection District provides a vital service in the Macon County area. I am especially pleased to work for this award given the demands on the district and the work these individuals do,” Rep. Johnson said.

    Mt. Zion Fire Chief Donald Wright said the grant will be used to purchase state-of-the-art self-contained breathing apparatus.

            Chief Wright said the grant will allow the purchase of 30 units, enough to outfit the entire department.

   “Our equipment was old and outdated and didn’t meet safety standards so we can really use this,” Chief Wright said.

   The Assistance to Firefighters Program is a competitive funding initiative designed to strengthen the preparedness of the nation’s first responders.

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