The federal government is presenting emergency responder grants to fire departments in Elgin and Normal.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will give Elgin firefighters more than $17,000 for fire-prevention programs. Nearly $10,000 goes to Normal.

The announcement was made Thursday by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois.

The money comes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's "Assistance to Firefighters" grant fund. It's a competitive program that aims to increase the nation's preparedness for fire and related hazards.

In the last round, Illinois got 132 grants totaling nearly $15 million.