M.A.B.A.S. 54

🚒 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MABAS DAY AT THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR! 🚒

Join us on Monday, August 17, 2026, for MABAS Day at the Illinois State Fair!

We're looking for volunteers to manage hands-on stations where kids and adults can learn various aspects of fire safety. Help make a difference while representing MABAS and promoting emergency preparedness in a fun, interactive way!

🗓 Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
🕙 Event Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
⏰ Volunteer Commitment: Just one 3.5-hour shift

As a volunteer, you'll receive:
✅ FREE Illinois State Fair admission
✅ FREE parking
✅ Official MABAS T-shirt
✅ Lunch provided by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM)

Donate just 3.5 hours of your time, then spend the rest of the day enjoying everything the Illinois State Fair has to offer!

📲 Register today on the MABAS website and help us make MABAS Day a success. Registration opens Friday, June 26 @ 1pm! We can't do it without amazing volunteers like you!

The FY 2025 AFG, SAFER, and FP&S grant application periods open tomorrow, with applications due by June 22.

These federal funding opportunities can help departments strengthen operations, improve safety, and better serve their communities.

🚒 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG)
Supports departments with funding for PPE, turnout gear, SCBA, equipment, apparatus, training, and wellness initiatives.

👨‍🚒 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER)
Helps departments increase or maintain staffing levels and supports volunteer recruitment and retention activities.

🔥 Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S)
Supports fire prevention and education efforts, community risk reduction programs, and firefighter safety research initiatives.

Find more information and learn how to apply here: https://buff.ly/PAttGFl

Need help preparing your application? Check out the NVFC Virtual Classroom for grant-related training and resources: https://buff.ly/cfXtGyB

🚒❤️ Today we recognize the brave men and women who answer the call no matter the hour, no matter the risk.

On International Firefighters’ Day, we thank every firefighter across Illinois and throughout the nation for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice. From protecting lives and property to educating communities and responding in times of crisis, your commitment does not go unnoticed.

Your service makes our communities safer and stronger every single day.

Thank you for all that you do. 🇺🇸🔥