Rep. McNally Announces $15,065.50 in State Funding for Fire Department MARCS Systems, Equipment Purchases

Funding supports interoperable communication services to Ohio agencies and first responders throughout Ohio

December 11, 2024

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced the awarding of $15,065.50 in state funds from the Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS) Grant Program to offset costs for the purchase of systems, equipment, and/or services that are a part of, integrated into, or otherwise interoperable with MARCS in multiple fire departments in Ohio’s 58th district.

“Supporting these fire departments so that they can attain the necessary resources to continue serving our community is an important priority in the state,” said Rep. McNally. “I am proud to support these public servants and the local communities they give back to.”

The 2025 Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) MARCS Grant Program application period opened on September 16, 2024 and closed on October 27, 2024 and is routinely accepted every fall. Volunteer fire departments, fire departments, joint fire districts, or local governments responsible for fire departments that serve one or more small municipalities or small townships, and local units of government responsible for the provision of fire protection services for small municipalities or small townships are eligible for funding. The program helps offset the costs incurred for MARCS-related radio equipment and services and to promote the interoperability between fire responders up to $50,000 in each fiscal year per grant recipient. 229 fire departments in 71 counties were selected for this year’s funding, totaling $4 million in state investment.

Entities receiving funds in Ohio’s 59th district include:

$13,265.50 for the Beloit Fire Department to support equipment purchases and service fees.
$1,800 for the Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department to support equipment purchases.

Administered by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), MARCS provides Ohio first responders and public safety providers with state-of-the-art wireless digital communications and promotes interoperability among Ohio agencies in normal and emergency situations, maximizing effectiveness and saving lives. Operating MARCS includes updating its infrastructure and licenses to ensure functionality and enable the system to accommodate additional users. Currently the system serves more than 140,000 voice units and more than 1,800 mobile data units for more than 3,000 public safety/public service agencies statewide.