Thomas Announces Grant Funding for First Responders in Stark County

COLUMBUS –State Representative Jim Thomas (R-Jackson Twp.) announced today that two first responder agencies in Stark County will receive grants from the sixth round of the Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience program.

The Regional Emergency Dispatch (R.E.D.) Center, located in Jackson Township, serves western Stark County and will receive $549,433 to hire four full-time dispatchers for two years and purchase recruitment supplies.  The Plain Township Fire Department will receive $6,750 for hiring bonuses for 1.5 full-time firefighters.

“Our first responders put themselves in harm’s way each day to protect Ohioans,” Thomas said. “By helping first responders increase their recruitment numbers, we are lessening the physical and mental workload of current employees and attracting new, qualified individuals to the field.” 

Created in 2022, the Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program is directed by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

Grants may be used to address mental, physical, and emotional health issues unique to first responders; recruitment and retention efforts to restore workforce levels; and onboarding and training costs.