Nearly 200 fire departments across Ohio — including several in Logan and Champaign counties — will soon receive new funding to strengthen emergency response efforts in their communities.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal announced that 190 departments in 49 counties have been awarded a combined $7,997,960 through the first-ever Small County Volunteer Fire Department Grant. The program was created during the 136th General Assembly through House Bill 96 to support departments located in counties with populations of 70,000 or fewer, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
The nonrenewable grants are designed to help small and rural departments purchase essential equipment, upgrade facilities, and expand access to firefighter training. State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said many of these departments operate on limited budgets and serve as the backbone of fire protection in rural Ohio communities.
Champaign County – $169,312.96
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Adams Township Rosewood Fire: $50,000
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Christiansburg Fire Company: $44,121.96
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JSP Joint Fire District: $47,292
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Mechanicsburg Fire Department: $27,899
Logan County – $193,221.44
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DeGraff Fire Department: $49,458
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Huntsville Volunteer Fire Department: $49,991
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Lakeview Volunteer Fire Department: $50,000
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West Liberty Fire Department: $43,772.44
Grants like this give small counties the resources to maintain and improve emergency response across Ohio.
About 70 percent of Ohio’s nearly 1,200 fire departments rely on volunteers, but the number of volunteer firefighters has declined in recent years even as emergency call volumes have increased. State officials say the new funding is part of a broader effort to strengthen and support volunteer fire services across Ohio.
In addition to this program, the Division of State Fire Marshal continues to offer other funding opportunities, including equipment and training grants, to help departments remain prepared when emergencies strike.
