Three local fire departments will receive state grants totaling more than $65,000.

Gov. Pat Quinn worked with State Fire Marshall Larry Matkaitis to put the grants through. The funding is part of the Small Equipment Grant Program, which works to better equip local firefighters and paramedics and make their job safer.

The Sycamore Fire Department will receive $16,614 and the DeKalb Fire Department will receive $25,750. The Kirkland Community Fire District will receive $23,880.

Firefighters and paramedics use various kinds of gear when on the job, ranging from their ladders to oxygen tanks to their boots. Equipment and gear can become worn and damaged over time, and replacing it is not always easy.

“It depends on wear and tear,” said James Ward, fire prevention coordinator at Sycamore Fire Station No. 2. “If we need it, generally we will get it.”

A portion of the funds might be used for repairs to the station’s fire engines and tankers, some of which are from the ’70s.

New gear is not a rare occurrence at fire stations, but it isn’t common.

“I’m on my second set of gear, and I’ve been here 10 years,” said Wade Schneck, firefighter and paramedic at DeKalb Fire Station No. 3. “We weren’t able to get a full replacement for what we need so we are just piecemealing.”

Having the proper tools for the job is a necessary factor in getting things done right, said Ali Pepper, junior elementary education major.

“I think it’s important to have all the equipment upgraded, so if something does happen they will be prepared,” Pepper said. “I think they work so hard, they risk their lives for us, they deserve better than what they’re getting.”