Area fire departments receive grants

COLUMBUS — Area fire departments in Hancock, Hardin, Putnam and Wood counties are among 148 departments across the state to receive funds to purchase critical equipment, according to an announcement made by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal on Thursday. The 2026 Equipment Grant will help equip fire departments with items such as protective turnout gear, rescue tools and other life-saving items that support firefighter safety and emergency response capabilites. These grants totaled $2 million and went to departments in 72 counties. In addition, a training reimbursement grant was approved for area fire departments in Hancock and Hardin counties to help offset the cost of firefighter training and certification courses. In all, $500,000 was provided to 198 departments in 75 counties. "Ohio fire departments, large and small, career and volunteer, show unwavering dedicatioin to the communities they serve," said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. "These grants allow us to support that dedication by ensuring our firefighters have the tools, equipment, and training they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively." Area departments to receive equipment grants include: • Hancock County — Northwest Hancock Joint Fire District, $14,180; Vanlue Fire Department, Inc., $13,080 • Hardin County — Northern Hardin County Fire District, $10,469 • Putnam County — Fort Jennings Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000; Ottawa Volunteer Fire Department, $15,000 • Wood County — North Baltimore Fire Department, $15,000 Area recipients of training reimbursement grants include: • Hancock County — Washington Township Fire Department, $17,328 • Hardin County — Ada-Liberty Township Fire Department, $10,480 This announcement marks the latest round of investments the State Fire Marshal's office has made in Ohio's fire service during the most recent grant cycle. In addition to these grants, the office has awarded funding through the MARCS Grant and the recent Small County Volunteer Fire Department Grant, which was established by the General Assembly via House Bill 96. In total, the division has awarded $14.5 million in funding to fire departments across Ohio during this grant cycle. Since 2020, the division has awarded over $51.5 million in grant funding. For additional details on grant funding and recipients, visit the division's interactive grants dashboard at com.ohio.gov/SFMDashboard.