Nearly 200 Ohio fire departments to receive millions from grant

OHIO — The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal announced Friday that 198 fire departments will receive nearly $4 million from the 2026 MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communications Systems) Grant. 

The fire departments represent 63 counties across Ohio. 

The MARCS radio system offers statewide, secure and reliable public service wireless communication for first responders, according to the department. It allows first responders to communicate with each other and with other agencies. Costs to acquire and operate the technology can become expensive. 

“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,” said Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “These radios help first responders better serve Ohio communities and protect those who call them home.”

A complete list of MARCS Grant recipients is available here. The fire departments will receive the funding in early 2026.

The MARCS Grant is distributed annually to departments in areas with 25,000 residents, and they can receive up to $50,000.