Zeigler Fire Department awarded $26,000 state grant for lifesaving equipment

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

ZEIGLER, Ill. (KBSI) — The City of Zeigler Fire Department has been awarded a $26,000 small equipment grant through the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Department officials said the funding will be used to purchase a LUCAS chest compression system and new self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, bottles.

The LUCAS device is a mechanical CPR system designed to provide consistent chest compressions during cardiac emergencies, while the SCBA bottles provide respiratory protection for firefighters operating in hazardous conditions.

Fire Chief Ronnie Diuguid said the grant will help the department obtain critical lifesaving equipment without placing additional strain on the local budget.

Diuguid also thanked the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office for supporting smaller and rural fire departments across the state.