Ross County fire departments awarded MARCS grants
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COLUMBUS — Four Ross County fire departments are among nearly 200 across the state set to receive funding to upgrade their emergency radio communication equipment.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal announced the 2026 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems) Grant recipients. The grant awarded 198 fire departments representing 63 counties a combined total of nearly $4 million.
Ross County grant recipients
The Bainbridge Volunteer Fire Department will receive $19,591.27, the Springfield Township Fire Department will receive $42,330, the Twin Township Volunteer Fire & Life Squad will receive $38,674.87 for equipment and an additional $1,020 for service fees, and the Union Township Fire Department will receive $40,800, according to a community announcement from the state fire marshal.
The total equipment grant for Ross County is $141,396.14, plus $1,020 for service fees.
The MARCS radio system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for first responders. The system allows first responders to seamlessly communicate with each other and with other agencies that may be responding to an incident. Costs to acquire and operate the advanced MARCS radio system technology can be significant, which highlights the importance of these grants in helping to ensure fire departments of all sizes are able to access these valuable tools.
“This grant funding is a major resource for fire departments across Ohio, especially since it helps give them access to MARCS radios that they might not otherwise be able to purchase,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said in the announcement. “These radios help first responders better serve Ohio communities and protect those who call them home.”
The MARCS Grant is available annually to fire departments with service areas of 25,000 residents or less. Up to $50,000 per department is available through the grant. Priority funding goes to departments applying as part of a regional or countywide effort, as well as departments that show they are prepared to immediately begin using the MARCS radios upon receiving the funds.
Over $24 million awarded since 2020
Since 2020, the division has awarded more than $24 million to fire departments across the state, specifically through the MARCS Grant program, and an additional $13 million through its other grant programs to support equipment and training needs at departments.
The funds will be distributed to the recipient fire departments in early 2026, following the signing of agreement letters.
For more information on the MARCS Grant program and a complete list of grant recipients, visit com.ohio.gov/SFMDashboard.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
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