Several area fire departments received the 2023 MARCS ( Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems) grant.
The grant totals $3.5 million and is awarded to 325 fire departments in 76 counties throughout Ohio.
In Logan County, five agencies received funding: Bellefontaine Fire Department ($1,200), Huntsville Fire Department ($1,200), Lakeview Fire Department ($1,200), Indian Joint Fire District ($1,200), and West Liberty Fire Department ($1,920).
Three agencies in Champaign County received funding: Urbana Fire Division ($1,920), Adams Township Rosewood Fire Department ($3,000), and Johnson St. Paris Fire District ($2,520).
The MARCS radio system allows first responders to seamlessly communicate, not only with each other but with other agencies responding to an incident.
MARCS radio system technology is advanced and the costs to acquire and operate it can be significant. Priority funding goes to departments applying as part of a regional or county-wide effort, as well as departments that show they are prepared to immediately begin using the MARCS radios upon receiving the award.
The MARCS Grant is available annually to fire departments with service areas of 25,000 people or fewer and up to $50,000 per department is available through this grant.
This cycle, the State Fire Marshal received more than $7.7 million in requests for the $3.5 million in total available funding.
