Nearly 200 fire departments in Ohio will soon have access to additional funds to upgrade their emergency radio communication equipment, including eight departments in Wood County.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal has announced the recipients of the 2026 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems) Grant.
Fire departments in Wood County will receive a total of $42,770 for equipment, and $11,760 for service fees.
The grant recipients in Wood County are as follows:
- Bradner Fire Department: $1,620.
- Central Joint Fire District: $25,215.
- Grand Rapids Township Fire Department: $9,502.
- Hoytville Fire Department: $900.
- North Baltimore Fire Department: $2,160.
- Pemberville-Freedom Fire Department: $1,740.
- Wayne Volunteer Fire Department: $10,212
- Weston Township Fire Department: $3,180.
The MARCS radio system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for first responders. The system 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, which highlights the importance of these grants in helping to ensure fire departments of all sizes are able to access these valuable 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 grants are 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. Priority funding goes to departments applying as part of a regional or countywide effort, as well as departments that show they are prepared to immediately begin using the MARCS radios upon receiving the funds.
