COLUMBUS — Three Richland County fire departments were recently included among recipients of the 2026 MARCS Grant.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal announced the full list of statewide recipients — nearly 200 departments — through a press release on Dec. 19.
MARCS Grant — short for Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems — awards create access to additional funds for departments to upgrade emergency radio communication equipment.
According to the release, 198 fire departments representing 63 counties across Ohio have been awarded a combined total of nearly $4 million during this grant cycle. Departments in Richland County receiving funds include:
- Cass, Blooming Grove and Shiloh Joint Fire District: $2,400 in service fees.
- Plymouth Fire Department: $6,622.07 in equipment and $2,160 in service fees.
- Springfield Township Fire Department: $23,660.30 in equipment and $2,100 in service fees.
Upon signing agreement letters, the selected fire departments will receive the funds in early 2026, the release said. A complete list of MARCS Grant recipients is available here.
What is a MARCS radio system?
The MARCS radio system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for first responders. It allows first responders to seamlessly communicate with each other, as well as with other agencies that may be responding to an incident.
Costs to acquire and operate the advanced MARCS radio system technology can be significant, making these grants significant to ensure fire departments of all sizes are able to access these tools.
“This grant funding is a major resource for fire departments across Ohio, especially since it helps give them access to MARCS radios that they might not otherwise be able to purchase,” said Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon.
“These radios help first responders better serve Ohio communities and protect those who call them home.”
The MARCS Grant is available annually to fire departments with service areas of 25,000 residents or less. Up to $50,000 per department is available through the grant, according to the release.
Priority funding goes to departments applying as part of a regional or countywide effort, along with departments that show they are prepared to immediately begin using the MARCS radios upon receiving the funds.
Since 2020, the Division has awarded more than $24 million to fire departments across the state — specifically through the MARCS Grant program — and an additional $13 million through its other grant programs to support equipment and training needs at departments.
About the Division of State Fire Marshal
The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio’s chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans.
It ensures businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what the Division does, visit its website at com.ohio.gov.