Nearly 200 fire departments across Ohio will soon receive funding to upgrade their emergency radio communication equipment.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal has announced the recipients of the 2026 MARCS — or Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems — Grant.
In this funding cycle, 198 fire departments representing 63 counties were awarded a combined total of nearly $4 million.
Locally awarded funds include:
- Urbana Fire Division (Champaign County): $14,119.85
- Huntsville Fire Department (Logan County): $14,672.70
- Lakeview Fire Department (Logan County): $17,833.86
- West Liberty Fire Department (Logan County): $3,034.90
Once agreement letters are signed, departments are expected to receive the funding in early 2026.
The MARCS radio system provides secure, statewide communication for first responders, allowing fire departments, law enforcement, and other agencies to communicate seamlessly during emergencies.
While the system is considered critical for public safety, the cost to purchase and maintain MARCS equipment can be a challenge for many departments.
“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,” said Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “These radios help first responders better serve Ohio communities and protect those who call them home.”
The MARCS Grant is offered annually to fire departments serving populations of 25,000 residents or fewer. Departments may receive up to $50,000 each, with priority given to regional or countywide applications and to departments ready to put the equipment into immediate use.
Since 2020, the Division of State Fire Marshal has awarded more than $24 million through the MARCS Grant program alone, along with an additional $13 million through other grant programs to support fire department equipment and training needs statewide.
