Fire marshal gives grants

The Ohio State Fire Marshal's office recently released grant money to several local departments. Awards for the 2026 equipment and training reimbursement grants were announced on Thursday. "The equipment grant program is providing $2 million to 148 fire departments across 72 counties," according to a fire marshal's press release. "These funds will be used to purchase critical equipment such as protective turnout gear, rescue tools and other life-saving items that support firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities." Training reimbursement grants provide $500,000 to 198 departments across 75 counties. These grants help departments with the costs of firefighter training and certification courses. "Ohio fire departments, large and small, career and volunteer, show unwavering dedication to the communities they serve," state fire marshal Kevin Reardon said. "These grants allow us to support that dedication by ensuring our firefighters have the tools, equipment and training they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively." Equipment grant recipients: • Florence Township Fire Department: $13,600 • New London Fire Department: $15,000 • Willard Fire Department: $14,300 • AVR Fire District: $14,900 • Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department: $15,000 • Washington Township Fire Department: $17,300 • Allen-Clay Joint Fire District: $14,900 Training reimbursement grant recipients: • Allen Township Fire Department: $700 • Delaware Township Fire Department: $2,100 • Liberty Township Fire Department: $3,400 • Northwest Hancock Joint Fire District: $650 • Washington Township Fire Department: $2,000 • Huron River Joint Fire District: $675 • Willard Fire Department: $1,150 • Portage Fire District: $1,650 • Bascom Joint Fire District: $2,282