COLUMBUS — Ten fire departments across Putnam County will share in a grant of more than $360,000 announced by the Ohio Fire Department on Wednesday to help first responders upgrade to universal communications systems.
Recipients of the 2023 Multiagency Wireless Communication Systems Grant include the Fire Departments of Allen, Hardin, Mercer, and Van Wert counties. Grants totaling $3.5 million were awarded to 325 fire departments in 76 counties statewide.
“Because this is a highly competitive selection process, we have focused on growing the MARCS program with the goal of one day using this communication system in all Ohio departments.” state fire marshal Kevin Reardon said. “Having first responders with these state-of-the-art radios will improve emergency services in these counties and increase safety levels in the communities they protect.”
According to Reardon, the MARCS radio system allows first responders to communicate seamlessly not only with each other, but also with other agencies responding to incidents.
MARCS grants are available annually to fire departments serving 25,000 or fewer people.
Other 2023 grant recipients include:
Allen County
Delphos Fire and Rescue, $50,000
Cairo Monroe Fire Department, $42,491
American Township Fire Department, $240
Hardin County
Kenton Fire Department, $5,229
Ridgeway Fire Department, $30,588
Roundhead Volunteer Fire Department, $41,065
Hardin County Northern Fire District, $47,410
Mercer County
Burketsville Community Fire Department, $37,322
Chickasaw Community Mutual Fire Company, $20,236
Coldwater Fire Department, $50,000
Putnam County
Belmore Fire Department, $35,309
Columbus Grove Fire Department, $17,343
Continental Fire Department, $36,809
Fort Jennings Fire Department, $37,993
Granddorf Fire Department, $42,680
Carida Volunteer Fire Department, $36,906
Leipsic Volunteer Fire Department, $36,765
Miller City Volunteer Fire Department, $39,214
Ottawa Volunteer Fire Department, $39,370
Ottoville Volunteer Fire Department, $39,025
Van Wert County
Middle Point Fire Department, $50,000
Scott Volunteer Fire Department, $1,080
Van Wert Fire Station, $22,480
