Putnam County EMA Awarded $25,000

Putnam County Emergency Management Agency will be able to better protect its citizens and businesses after receiving a grant for $24,998 from the Illinois EMA.

On Monday the state awarded $500,000 in grants to 32 county EMAs, according to a press release.

The grant will be used for the emergency operations center — a part of the agency — to purchase new laptops, a cellphone booster to help improve service, a videoconferencing system, a new printer and shredder, a whiteboard, filing cabinets and training tables, said Putnam County EMA assistant coordinator Chauntelle Biagi-Bruer.

She said their agency is the support function when it comes to helping first responders in Putnam County. The agency helps get first responders the equipment and resources they need.

The county will have to spend the money and get reimbursed, but she expects the money to be reimbursed quickly.

A press release 47 agencies submitted grant applications with priority given to counties with the greatest need.

To be considered for a grant, the EMA agency had to be compliant with National Incident Management System requirements, have a current and approved emergency operations plan and have a functional emergency operations center. Putnam County’s center occupies the former United Steel Workers union hall on old 26.

The Illinois EMA is responsible for preparing Illinois for natural, manmade and technological disasters, hazards or acts of terrorism.

“It’s something amazing for this county,” she said. “Without this grant, we would not be able to purchase this equipment.”

Search Putnam County Illinois EMA on Facebook to keep updated.

Source: News Tribune