SHAWNEETOWN, Ill. (WSIL) -- The State of Illinois awarded significant grants to local fire stations on Friday. The funding aims to modernize facilities and equip firefighters with essential tools.

The Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office presented the grants on August 22, at the Shawneetown Fire Department. Michelle Pankow, the first female State Fire Marshal in Illinois, attended the event.

Fire stations in Saline and Gallatin counties, which include Shawneetown, Equality and Carrier Mills, received the grants. These funds, totaling $1 million, will enhance their capabilities and improve safety for both firefighters and the communities they serve. Both Shawneetown and Carrier Mills received $350,000, while Equality received $300,000.

The grants received by fire departments across the s

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