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.”…