Peoria Fire Department to hire more firefighters through federal grant

PEORIA, Ill. – The Peoria Fire Department is getting some hiring help from the federal government.

17th District Democratic Congressman Eric Sorensen announced the department has been awarded a more than $3 million grant.  The grant comes from FEMA’s FY 24 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program.

The money will support hiring more firefighters and maintain adequate staffing levels, with Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger saying they’re adding 11 new firefighters to the department.

“This grant award will have a tremendous impact not only for our Peoria community, but our responding firefighters on a daily basis,” Sollberger said.