Rep. McNally Announces $274,485 in State Funding for Fire Department MARCS Systems, Equipment Purchases

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced the awarding of $274,485 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 59th district.

“Strengthening the connection between these fire departments 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 2024 Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) MARCS Grant Program application period opened on September 25, 2023 and closed on November 3, 2023 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.  307 fire departments in 75 counties were selected for this year’s funding, totaling $4 million in state investment. 73 departments were first time recipients, and more than half of the grant funds were awarded to volunteer fire departments.

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

• $42,719 for the Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department to support equipment purchases and service fees.
• $36,371.50 for the Salem Fire Department to support equipment purchases.
• $44,159 for the Winona Butler Fire Department to support equipment purchases and service fees.
• $49,381 for the Beaver Township Fire Department to support equipment purchases and service fees.
• $12,795.75 for the Berlin Township Fire Department to support equipment purchases and service fees.
• $20,195 for the Coitsville Volunteer Fire Department to support equipment purchases and service fees.
• $39,693.40 for the Demascus Volunteer Fire Department to support equipment purchases and service fees.
• $9,606.60 for the Green Township Volunteer Fire Department to support equipment purchases.
• $19,563.75 for the New Middletown Fire Department to support equipment purchases and service fees.

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 120,000 voice units and more than 1,800 mobile data units for more than 2,800 local, state and federal agencies operating in Ohio.