Rep. Mulligan Secures Grant Money for Park Ridge Fire and Police Departments

July 28, 2008

Des Plaines…Demonstrating her commitment to public safety, State Rep. Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines) is pleased to announce that two $15,000 grants have been awarded to the Park Ridge Fire and Police Departments. Rep. Mulligan was integral in securing the state funding for the grants. “Each of these grants is being used to protect the safety of Park Ridge residents. I worked aggressively to secure this funding because I believe it is crucial that our police and fire departments are equipped with top-notch resources,” Rep. Mulligan said.

According to Park Ridge Fire Department Deputy Chief Craig Gjelsten, the grant will be used to purchase badly-needed extrication rescue equipment. “Current equipment is obsolete and in need of repair. This new equipment will allow for more efficient and effective rescue of trapped victims, while providing a greater safety margin for emergency personnel,” Gjelsten said.

Rep. Mulligan said the rescue equipment will be used to save lives of accident victims who otherwise may not have survived.

The Park Ridge Police Department has purchased a portable, versatile safety message board with their grant. Acting Police Chief Tom Swoboda said the message board can be used to inform motorists of traffic conditions ahead, or can be utilized for roadside safety checks and amber alerts.

“We are very excited to have this new capability, and to be able to warn people coming from multiple directions,” Swoboda said.

“Keeping the lines of communication open between the police and the public is important during emergency situations. I am confident the new safety message board will be put to good use,” Rep. Mulligan said.