The units allow firefighters to see fire victims or fellow firefighters through darkness or blinding smoke. The city's fire department protects more than 18,700 residents in Winnebago County.

This Illinois FIRST project was initiated by State Rep. Dave Winters, R-Shirland.

Other Illinois FIRST projects announced by Ryan:

• $30,000 to the Salvation Army for the demolition of the former Boys & Girls Club in Rockford, an old building that would be too expensive to refurbish.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. Doug Scott, D-Rockford.

• $30,000 to the Luther Center to purchase a van to help transport 220 clients to various activities.
  This project was initiated by Scott.

• $20,000 to the Village of Pecatonica to buy and install laptop computers in the village's two police squad cars.
  This project was initiated by Winters.

• $15,000 to the Glidden Homestead and Historical Center to repair and restore the homestead of Joseph F. Glidden, who invented barbed wire in his barn in 1873.
  This project was initiated by State Rep. David Wirsing, R-Sycamore.