COLUMBUS – The Salem Fire Department is among three local department’s to receive the 2025 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications System) Grant.

This grant cycle, 229 fire departments located in 71 counties across the state will receive a combined total of nearly $4 million. Fire departments will receive those funds in early 2025.

Local departments and the amount each received include: Salem Fire Department, $1,560; Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department, $1,800; and Beloit Fire Department, $1,980.

The MARCS radio system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for first responders. The system allows first responders to seamlessly communicate with each other, as well as with other agencies that may be responding to an incident. Costs to acquire and operate the advanced MARCS radio system technology can be significant, which highlights the importance of these grants in helping to ensure fire departments can access these valuable tools.

“Funding from these grants will give departments access to MARCS radios that they otherwise might not be able to purchase,” Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said. “Having first responders use these radios improves emergency services for departments around the state, allowing them to better serve their communities and save lives.”

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 award.