Ryan: $66,000 in Illinois FIRST Projects for Lake County

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan announced today that he is releasing $66,000 in Illinois FIRST funding for projects in Lake County, including $36,000 to the Lake County Fire Departments Specialized Response Unit to purchase a new underwater sonar unit for rescues.

The Specialized Response Unit is at the disposal of 26 fire and rescue departments throughout Lake County and serves 650,000 people. The new side scan sonar unit will help the unit rapidly locate people or objects under water.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Timothy Osmond, R-Antioch.

Other Illinois FIRST grants announced by Ryan:

• $10,000 to the Lake Villa Rescue Squad to purchase new equipment, including cots and battery chargers for defibrillators.
  This project was initiated by State Sen. Adeline Geo-Karis, R-Zion.

• $10,000 to the Angel Drill Team to supplement operations for a 40-girl precision maneuver troupe that draws participants from North Chicago, Waukegan and Zion.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Susan Garrett, D-Lake Forest.

• $5,000 to the Senior Council of Libertyville to help underwrite bus trips, luncheons and speakers for seniors in Libertyville.
  This project was initiated by Geo-Karis.

• $5,000 to the Family Service Agency of North Lake County to augment the counseling services provided to the 2,300 families and individuals who get help from the agency every year.
  This project was initiated by Osmond.