The Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon recently announced the recipients of the 2025 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications System) Grant, awarding nearly $4 million to 229 fire departments across 71 counties in Ohio. Among the recipients, the Galion Fire Department received funding to enhance its emergency response capabilities.
Galion Fire Department Awarded Key Funds
The Galion Fire Department received $9,371.50 for equipment and $2,040 for fees, part of a larger $20,995.24 allocated to Crawford County fire departments. These funds will be used to upgrade communication tools critical for the safety of first responders and residents alike. The advanced MARCS radios enable seamless and secure communication between agencies, streamlining coordination during emergencies.
With this funding, Galion Fire Department can access tools it might otherwise have been unable to afford, further strengthening its ability to respond effectively to local emergencies.
Statewide MARCS Impact
The MARCS grant plays a pivotal role in supporting smaller fire departments across the state, specifically targeting departments serving areas with populations of 25,000 or less. The grants, capped at $50,000 per department, prioritize applications demonstrating readiness to deploy the MARCS radios immediately, as well as those part of regional or countywide efforts.
“The funding from these grants will give departments access to MARCS radios that they otherwise might not be able to purchase,” said Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “Having first responders use these radios improves emergency services for departments around the state, allowing them to better serve their communities and save lives.”
Since 2020, over $20.5 million in MARCS grants have been awarded to fire departments statewide, enhancing Ohio’s emergency response network.
The MARCS Radio System
The MARCS system is a vital resource for Ohio’s first responders, offering secure, reliable, and statewide wireless communication. This advanced technology allows for real-time collaboration among agencies, ensuring rapid response in critical situations. However, the cost of acquiring and operating MARCS radios can be a barrier for smaller fire departments. Programs like the MARCS grant help bridge this gap, ensuring that even the most rural communities have access to these life-saving tools.
How Crawford County Benefits
In addition to Galion’s funding, other Crawford County fire departments received a total of $20,995.24 for equipment and $12,240 for fees, further boosting emergency services across the region. These enhancements will provide better communication infrastructure, not just within Crawford County but across Ohio’s network of emergency responders.
Explore Grant Details Online
For more information about the MARCS grant and other funding opportunities provided by the Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal, visit their new interactive grants dashboard at com.ohio.gov/SFMDashboard. The dashboard allows users to explore detailed funding data across various grant categories, including equipment and training grants.
Source: Ohio Department of Commerce; Image by Waukesha from Pixabay
