EAST ST. LOUIS – Two St. Clair County fire departments will receive more than $10,000 in combined funding to make up for lost donations during the pandemic, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) announced Friday.

“During the pandemic, fire departments didn’t shut down,” Belt said. “Firefighters continued to protect the people and communities around us, even during a time of uncertainty.”

A total of 36 fire departments across Illinois will receive over $315,000 through the Illinois Fire Prevention Fund to make up for lost donation revenues as local fundraising events were canceled during the pandemic. Funds raised pay for necessities like fuel for fire trucks, utilities and insurance.

Camp Jackson Fire Department will receive over $1,500 and Fairmont City Fire Department will receive over $8,500 to combat the donation loses during the pandemic.

“Volunteer fire departments rely on fundraisers to raise money to keep their doors open,” Belt said. “This funding will help them continue to recover so when residents are in danger, they are there to help.”

Visit the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal website for more information.