Fire departments in Gallia, Jackson, and Lawrence Counties have received more than $685,000 through the Small County Volunteer Fire Department (SCVFD) Grant Program. The program was established as part of the state budget led by House Republicans.
The funds will allow small volunteer fire departments to buy necessary equipment, improve facilities, and expand training opportunities. The grant amounts vary by department, with individual awards ranging from just over $4,000 to $50,000.
“Our volunteer fire departments do great work to help our communities,” said Representative Stephens. “These investments I was proud to support in House Bill 96 will make a difference and save lives.”
In total, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal has awarded nearly $8 million to 190 departments across 49 counties in Ohio.
A recent report from the Governor’s Volunteer Fire Service Task Force notes that about 70% of Ohio’s almost 1,200 fire departments depend on volunteers. However, there has been a steady decline in volunteer firefighters—a decrease of 6.5% between 2018 and 2021—while emergency calls increased by 9% from 2018 to 2020.
