Editorial staff
The Morning Journal
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal has announced the recipients — including Lorain area departments — of the 2026 Equipment Grant and Training Reimbursement Grant, underscoring the Division’s continued commitment to supporting Ohio’s fire service.
The funding from these grants will help equip fire departments throughout Ohio with the resources they need to purchase essential gear, strengthen training opportunities, and enhance overall readiness to protect Ohio communities, according to a news release.
| DOWNLOAD: Navigating fire service grants: From preparation to rescue-ready equipment
The Equipment Grant program is providing $2 million to 148 fire departments across 72 counties.
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.
- Oberlin Fire Department, $12,041
- Florence Fire Department, $13,644
- New London Fire Department, $15,000
- Willard Fire Department, $14,280
In addition, the Training Reimbursement Grant is providing $500,000 to 198 departments in 75 counties. This funding helps offset the cost of firefighter training and certification courses, allowing departments to maintain high professional standards without placing additional strain on budgets.
- LaGrange Fire and Rescue, $4,200
- Oberlin Fire Department, $2,700
- South Amherst Fire Department, $11,700
- Wellington Community Fire Rescue, $8,700
- Huron River JT Fire District, $675
- Willard Fire Department, $1,150
“Ohio fire departments, large and small, career and volunteer, show unwavering dedication to the communities they serve,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon in the release. “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.”
This announcement marks the latest round of investments the State Fire Marshal’s office has made in Ohio’s fire service during the most recent grant cycle.
In addition to the Equipment and Training Reimbursement grants, the office has awarded funding through the MARCS Grant and the recent Small County Volunteer Fire Department Grant, which was established by the General Assembly via House Bill 96.
In total, the Division has awarded $14.5 million in funding to fire departments across Ohio during this grant cycle.
Since 2020, the Division has awarded over $51.5 million in grant funding.
“These grants reflect our ongoing mission to strengthen fire protection in every corner of the state,” Reardon said. “We are proud to partner with Ohio’s fire service to ensure they have the resources they need to keep their communities safe.”
For additional details on grant funding and recipients, visit the Division’s interactive Grants Dashboard at com.ohio.gov/SFMDashboard.
Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our grants services here.
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