Grants for communication equipment coming to Mahoning Valley fire departments
In an emergency or high-pressure incident, effective and fast communication between first responders, firefighters and law enforcement agents is one of many keys to saving lives.
Almost 200 fire departments across the state have been awarded close to $4 million to enhance communication equipment for emergency response, including six departments in the Mahoning Valley region.
Overall, fire departments in 63 counties across Ohio have been awarded $4 million as part of the annual Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems grant program.
MARCS is the statewide radio system providing secure and reliable public service wireless communication for first responders.
The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal announced the recipients for the 2026 grant cycle on Dec. 19.
Kevin Reardon is Ohio’s 39th State Fire Marshal who highlighted the importance of ensuring fire departments of all sizes can communicate effectively.
“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,” Reardon said. “These radios help first responders better serve Ohio communities and protect those who call them home.”
In Columbiana County, the Liverpool Township Fire Department will receive $39,924 for radio equipment enhancements.
In Trumbull County, three fire departments are receiving MARCS grants in 2026: The Bloomfield Volunteer Fire Department will receive $7,230.
The Kinsman Volunteer Fire Department will receive $3,659, and the Orangeville Volunteer Fire Department will receive $11,615.
In Mahoning County, the Campbell Fire Department will receive $6,634, while the Ellsworth Fire Department’s grant total is $42,100.
Through the MARCS system, first responders can communicate with each other and other agencies that may be responding to an emergency.
Costs to acquire and operate the advanced MARCS radio system technology can be significant.
Since 2020, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division has awarded more than $24 million to fire departments across the state through the MARCS grant program, and an additional $13 million through its other grant programs to support equipment and training needs at departments.
The MARCS grant is 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.
