OHIO — The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal awarded more than $2.5 million to 141 fire departments across the state to help train and better equip first responders.

What You Need To Know

  • Over $1 million of the grants were awarded to 70 volunteer and mostly volunteer fire departments

  • Remaining funds were given to 71 career and part-time fire departments

  • Additionally, the department said nearly $500,000 was awarded to more than 200 departments in 77 counties through a different program

The funds were given through the State Fire Marshal's annual Equipment and Training Reimbursement programs, and the grants can be used to purchase items like personal protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus and communications equipment, the Department of Commerce said.

Over $1 million of the grants were awarded to 70 volunteer and mostly volunteer fire departments, where as the remaining funds were given to 71 career and part-time fire departments. 

Additionally, the department said nearly $500,000 was awarded to more than 200 departments in 77 counties through the Fire Department Training Reimbursement Program, which specifically benefits departments that provide protection for areas of 25,000 or fewer residents. These funds can help cover the cost of training manuals, student workbooks and can also be used to participate in training classes. 

“These grants provide our brave men and women with the life-saving training and equipment they need to save lives of Ohioans,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said in a release. “While these grants benefit and strengthen the state’s fire service, these funds are critically important to Ohio’s volunteer departments, which in many cases have very limited resources. We are proud to support the brave and selfless members of our fire service through the awarding of these grants.”

More details on these grants can be found here.