City of Benton Fire Department

07/27/2026

Big Things to come for Benton Firefighter River Stilley who had an impressive weekend 🏆 and carries that over into becoming a Saluki!

Incoming Saluki River Stilley WON the Benton Gold Cup over the weekend with rounds of 65-66!! Let’s go!!!

07/10/2026

Thank you to T-Street Pub and Grill for lunch! It is much appreciated!

07/09/2026

Please be advised that we are running a live test of the storm sirens to verify that those in operation are in working order . This is only a test .

Thank
You

07/02/2026

Big thank you to the Benton Elks 1234 in sending some of their delicious wings to the station this evening. It’s much appreciated

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day! The greatest country in the history of the world. 🌎

06/08/2026

Come test for our department! Pick up an application at the firehouse and they must be turned in by June 10th at 4pm.

06/01/2026

Huge shoutout to a woman whose hours don’t go unnoticed- Lennie S Shelton of the Benton /West City Chamber of Commerce . Here is her talent at work with our decorative fire hydrant at the station. Soo cool! Knox will think he’s got a new friend.

05/30/2026

Congratulations Benton High School Athletics. Regional Champs!!! See you next week for another ride!

05/25/2026

Benton Fire Department Awarded OSFM Small Equipment Grant

Benton, IL – May 25, 2026

The Benton Fire Department is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of a $25,985.00 grant through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Small Equipment Grant Program.
In a letter dated May 22, 2026, State Fire Marshal Michele L. Pankow congratulated Chief and the department on the award. The grant will fund critical vehicle extrication and stabilization equipment to enhance the department’s technical rescue capabilities.

Equipment to be purchased with the grant:
• (1) Highway Vehicle Stabilization Kit
• (2) Hydrafusion Strut 10 Kits
• (2) Longshore Struts
• (1) Strut Regulator Gauge
• (1) Vehicle Stabilization Kit Controller
• (1) 16’ Hose w/ Couplings
• (1) 32’ Yellow Hydraulic Hose w/ Coupling
• (1) 32’ Red Hydraulic Hose w/ Coupling
• (1) Y Adapter w/ 2 Couplings and 1 Ni**le
• (1) Shipping

This new equipment will significantly improve the Benton Fire Department’s ability to perform safe and effective vehicle extrications, especially on I-57, Illinois highways and local roadways. It represents a major upgrade to our stabilization and hydraulic rescue tools.

A big thank you goes to Benton Firefighter James Neff who put in many hours helping to gather pricing , information and support while navigating a new grant process for this years program.

The Benton Fire Department extends its sincere thanks to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and all those involved in the grant program for their continued support of local fire departments and public safety across Illinois.
We are grateful for this investment in our firefighters and the community we serve.



For more information:

Chief Shane Cockrum
Benton Fire Department
107 N. Maple
Benton, IL 62812
618-439-2511

05/24/2026

Come test for the Benton Fire Department. Applications at the station!