100 fire departments across the state are splitting more than two million dollars in fire safety grants. State Fire Marshal Matt Perez says departments will use the money for things like safety equipment, protective clothing and breathing apparatuses. He says these small equipment grants are a huge help. The Small Equipment Grant Program funds projects for departments in 61 Illinois counties...including over 20 in the southern part of the state. 58th District Senator Paul Schimpf represents some of the departments on the list. He says the best of Illinois is found in the firefighters and first responders awarded this grant funding. "You all and the people that you represent are what is exceptional about the State of Illinois. So, keep the up the good work that you're doing."