From left: Tony Minkalis (VP of Local 37), Trustee Maureen Grady-Perovich, Chief Ken Verkaik, and Firefighter Tim Kotecki accept a grant award from Kipp Caputo of FM Global. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)LANSING, Ill. (March 22, 2018) — The Lansing Fire Department received a $1,832 fire prevention grant from FM Global, one of the world’s largest commercial property insurers. The grant covers the cost of special equipment used by LFD’s investigative teams, including a 7-foot portable lithium ion light, an evidence sampling kit, a liquid sampling kit, evidence markers, and a debris shifting shovel. These items help fire investigators more efficiently investigate and determine the cause of a fire.
Firefighter Tim Kotecki applied for the grant last November. The plaque recognizes LFD’s commitment to protecting the community. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)Firefighter Tim Kotecki applied for the grant last November. FM Global awards grants three times a year. This is the first time the Lansing Fire Department has received this grant.
Kipp Caputo, a Consultant Engineer with FM Global, arrived at Station 29 (formerly known as Station 3), 19300 Burnham Avenue, on Thursday, March 22, to congratulate LFD and present a plaque.
Because fire continues to be the leading cause of property damage worldwide, during the past 40 years FM Global has contributed millions of dollars in fire prevention grants to fire service organizations around the globe. Locally, the company has awarded grants to a number of Illinois-based organizations.
FM Global invites Fire Departments to apply for grants every three years. Firefighter Kotecki has already marked his calendar and plans to apply again.
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.
