$4M in State Fire Marshal’s MARCS grant money available

The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal opened applications for the 2024 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems) grant. This year’s $4 million in available grant funding includes an increase of $500,000 from the recent Volunteer Firefighter Task Force report recommendations.

“This expanded grant funding reflects the commitment of the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal to bolstering the capabilities of first responders across the state,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin S. Reardon. “By providing critical resources through the MARCS Grant, Ohio continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens.”

Online applications opened Oct. 3 and will be accepted for six weeks until Nov. 12, 2023 at com.ohio.gov/grants.

The grant funding will be available for eligible recipients providing fire protection services to purchase MARCS systems and equipment.

The MARCS grant application packet is accompanied by a guidance document, which will allow applicants to gather all necessary information prior to submitting an application.

The MARCS Grant is available annually to fire departments with service areas of service areas of 25,000 people or fewer and up to $50,000 per department is available through this grant. There are currently over 120,000 voice units and over 1,800 mobile data units on the MARCS system with over 2,800 local, state and federal agencies statewide.

In the previous year’s grant cycle, the State Fire Marshal received more than $8.5 million in requests for $3.5 million in available funding.

"The MARCS system is a vital tool in coordinating responses across agencies. This grant ensures that it remains cutting-edge and accessible to all," Reardon said.