ASHLAND COUNTY — Three Ashland County fire departments were recently awarded nearly $22,000 combined through state equipment and training reimbursement grants.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal announced the recipients of the 2026 Equipment Grant and Training Reimbursement Grant on March 12, underscoring the division’s continued commitment to supporting Ohio’s fire service.
Funding from these grants will help equip fire departments throughout Ohio with the resources they need to purchase essential gear, strengthen training opportunities and enhance overall readiness to protect Ohio communities.
The Equipment Grant program is providing $2 million to 148 fire departments across 72 counties. These funds will be used to purchase critical equipment such as protective turnout gear, rescue tools and other life-saving items that support firefighter safety and emergency response capabilities. A complete list of recipients can be found here.
Ashland County fire departments awarded Equipment Grant funds include the Savannah Volunteer Fire Company ($6,778) and Sullivan Fire and Rescue ($10,874).
In addition, the Training Reimbursement Grant is providing $500,000 to 198 departments in 75 counties. This funding helps offset the cost of firefighter training and certification courses, allowing departments to maintain high professional standards without placing additional strain on budgets. A complete list of recipients can be found here.
The Jeromesville Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $4,000 in Training Reimbursement Grant funds.
“Ohio fire departments, large and small, career and volunteer, show unwavering dedication to the communities they serve,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “These grants allow us to support that dedication by ensuring our firefighters have the tools, equipment, and training they need to perform their jobs safely and effectively.”
This announcement marks the latest round of investments the State Fire Marshal’s office has made in Ohio’s fire service during the most recent grant cycle. In addition to the Equipment and Training Reimbursement grants, the office has awarded funding through the MARCS Grant and the recent Small County Volunteer Fire Department Grant, which was established by the General Assembly via House Bill 96.
In total, the division has awarded $14.5 million in funding to fire departments across Ohio during this grant cycle. Since 2020, the division has awarded over $51.5 million in grant funding.
“These grants reflect our ongoing mission to strengthen fire protection in every corner of the state,” Reardon said. “We are proud to partner with Ohio’s fire service to ensure they have the resources they need to keep their communities safe.”
For additional details on grant funding and recipients, visit the division’s interactive Grants Dashboard at com.ohio.gov/SFMDashboard.
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 it does, visit its website at com.ohio.gov.