Hastings announces $75,000 state grant to upgrade New Lenox Township Fire Protection District communication systems

State Senator Michael E. Hastings, a U.S. Army combat veteran, announced Tuesday that the New Lenox Township Fire Protection District has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

The funding will support an upgrade to the district’s two-way communication systems, allowing the 9-1-1 dispatch center to directly communicate calls to stations while confirming that calls are both transmitted and received.

This improvement ensures accountability, increases efficiency, and helps first responders deliver timely emergency response.

“This investment will strengthen the backbone of our emergency response system,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort).

State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon — State Senator Michael Hastings

“When a 911 call comes in, every second matters. By upgrading communication technology, we’re making sure our firefighters and paramedics get the information they need without delay, so they can continue protecting families in New Lenox.”

Fire Chief Adam Riegel said the upgrade will address a critical need for the district.

“This new system gives us the assurance that no call is missed and that our teams are receiving dispatch information in real time,” said Riegel. “We appreciate Senator Hastings’ support in securing this funding, which directly translates to better service and safety for the residents we serve.”

The New Lenox Township Fire Protection District provides emergency response and fire protection services to more than 50,000 residents. Hastings noted that securing state resources for local fire districts remains one of his top priorities to strengthen public safety infrastructure throughout the South Suburbs.

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Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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