The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal says they want to make sure local fire departments have the equipment they need to safeguard lives and property in Ohio. State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers has announced that 106 fire departments received $3 million in MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications System) grants.
The purpose of the grant program is to offset the cost of the radio equipment to local governments in the state of Ohio and to promote interoperability between first responders.
New Vision Fire & Rescue was awarded $46,051.50. The only other departments around Marion County to received grants were Ridgeway Fire Department ($9,088.41) and Forest Volunteer Fire Department ($20,350.00), both of Hardin County.
“The MARCS grant will allow fire departments to operate more efficiently through improved communication within their department and with surrounding agencies,” said Commerce Director Andre Porter. “This will increase the safety levels of both firefighters and the communities they serve.”
The grant and loan programs, along with the other services offered by the Division of State Fire Marshal, demonstrate the ongoing partnership at the state and local levels. The support of the Ohio General Assembly and the current Administration has been instrumental in funding these initiatives.
Governor John R. Kasich turned this program a reality when he signed the Mid-Biennium Budget Review in June. In addition to the more than $2 million already set aside for training and equipment grants, Governor Kasich and the Ohio General Assembly added in the additional $3 million in HB 483 to be used for the grant.
“The support from Governor Kasich and the Ohio General Assembly will allow these fire departments to operate at a higher level,” said Marshal Flowers. “Our goal is to make sure each responder will be able to serve fully and return home safely at the end of an emergency. This grant will help enable that.”
Local fire departments chosen for the grant were selected based on a variety of criteria, including the fire department’s annual budget, annual number of fire incidents and the resident population served by the department.
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