By 1812Blockhouse
The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office has announced the recipients of the 2025 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications System) Grant. A total of nearly $4 million will be distributed to 229 fire departments across 71 counties, bolstering critical emergency communication systems. Among the recipients, Richland County fire departments will receive over $67,000 in funding, ensuring local first responders are equipped with state-of-the-art communication tools.
Richland County Grant Details
Richland County fire departments will benefit from $57,312.04 for equipment and $10,560.00 for MARCS radio fees. This funding ensures local departments can acquire and maintain advanced communication technology, strengthening their ability to respond effectively during emergencies.
Here’s how the funding breaks down:
- Jefferson Township Bellville Fire Department
- Equipment: $27,955.89
- Fees: $1,920.00
- Troy Township Fire Department
- Equipment: $29,356.15
- Fees: $1,680.00
- Washington Township Fire Department
- Equipment: None
- Fees: $3,300.00
- Shelby Fire Department
- Equipment: None
- Fees: $2,400.00
- Mifflin Township Fire Department
- Equipment: None
- Fees: $1,260.00
This funding ensures that fire departments in Richland County can maintain reliable communication during emergencies, which is essential for protecting lives and property.
What the MARCS Grant Supports
The MARCS system provides a secure, reliable wireless communication network for first responders across Ohio, enabling seamless communication within and between agencies. By removing barriers to acquiring and operating this advanced technology, the MARCS Grant ensures smaller fire departments can access vital resources to enhance public safety.
State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon emphasized the significance of this program:
“Funding from these grants will give departments access to MARCS radios that they otherwise might not be able to purchase. Having first responders use these radios improves emergency services for departments around the state, allowing them to better serve their communities and save lives.”
Statewide Impact of the MARCS Grant
Available to fire departments serving populations of 25,000 or fewer, the MARCS Grant prioritizes collaborative efforts, such as regional or countywide applications, and departments ready to deploy the system immediately. Since its inception in 2020, the grant has provided over $20.5 million in funding to departments across Ohio.
For 2025, departments can receive up to $50,000 each for equipment, fees, and other communication needs. The grant helps offset the significant costs associated with the MARCS radio system, making this critical tool more accessible to small and rural communities.
New Resources for Transparency
Fire Marshal Reardon also highlighted the division’s new interactive grants dashboard, which provides detailed information about grant distributions across Ohio. Users can search and explore funding categories such as equipment, training, and MARCS radios. The dashboard is available at com.ohio.gov/SFMDashboard.
Strengthening Richland County’s Emergency Services
With more than $67,000 awarded to Richland County fire departments, local first responders are better positioned to serve their communities effectively. The MARCS Grant continues to support Ohio’s smaller fire departments, ensuring that every community has access to lifesaving communication tools.
Source: Ohio State Fire Marshal; Image by automatic6517 from Pixabay
