In spring of 2015, out of a desire to provide rapid emergency access to residents who have significant health and/or mobility issues, the Sycamore Fire Department applied for a Community Needs Grant to assist in the purchase of Knox Box units for residents. A Knox Box is a small safe that hangs at the top of the front door and holds keys for the fire department and Paramedics to retrieve in emergency situations to gain rapid access into the residence.

The Fire Department received a $2,500 grant to purchase residential Knox Boxes. To date, 12 Knox Boxes have been installed on homes in the community. Residents and their families who have taken part in the program have found peace of mind knowing that their loved one can be easily accessed in case of an emergency.

“Families can rest easy knowing that even if their loved one is incapacitated, we can access, treat and transport their loved one without delay,” said Art Zern, Assistant Fire Chief, Sycamore Fire Department. “We continue to identify potential Knox Box program participants as paramedics encounter people in need when they respond to emergencies in addition to requests that come in to us.”

The Sycamore Fire Department continues to collaborate with the Family Service Agency’s Senior Services in promoting the availability and importance of Knox Boxes to seniors in the Senior Activity Center who may benefit from them. Dave Miller, the Family Service Agency’s Executive Director, explained that, “by working with the Sycamore Fire Department, we can provide awareness regarding safety of individuals who can benefit from a device such as the Knox Box and identify other possible dangers in the home.”

The DeKalb County Community Foundation is pleased to partner with community minded organizations like the Sycamore Fire Department and Family Service Agency. Providing peace of mind with grant support aligns with the Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life by proactively addressing community needs through community philanthropy.

Funding received from the Community Needs Grants has a long lasting impact on our community! To make an undesignated gift to the DeKalb County Community Foundation for use in Community Needs Grants or start a fund that aligns with your charitable interests, contact Dan Templin, Executive Director, at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.

There is Strength Through Partnership!