The village could be reimbursed for up to half the cost of training firefighters if the Downers Grove Fire Department joins a statewide training program, fire officials say.
Under the state’s Fire Protection Training Act of 1977, fire departments and districts are allowed to ask the state fire marshal’s office to pay up to 50 percent of trainees’ salaries, tuition, transportation and lodging costs for attending state-approved courses each year.
Funding for the program comes from a 1 percent state tax on fire insurance premiums, said Fire Chief Lanson Russell. Though the amount contributed by the state does not cover all the training costs, “it does provide significant help,” Russell said.
And with the department making a $1.4 million switch from a volunteer staff to a full-time force on April 25, every little bit of financial assistance would help, officials said.
To collect the state reimbursement, the Village Council must pass an ordinance allowing participation in the program.
Commissioners are expected to vote on the plan on April 12.