COLUMBUS, Ohio — Local law enforcement in Ross and Fairfield counties are receiving a significant financial boost to help combat violent crime and enhance public safety.
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson announced today that $3.4 million has been awarded to 44 agencies across the state in the 15th round of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program. Among the recipients are the Sheriff’s offices for both Ross and Fairfield counties.
Local Impact: Ross and Fairfield Funding
The grants are designed to give local departments the flexibility to use innovative technology, fund investigative overtime, and increase patrols in high-crime areas.
- Ross County: The Ross County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $50,000. These funds are slated to support ongoing public safety services, specifically aimed at preventing and investigating violent crime within the county.
- Fairfield County: The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office will receive $33,244.70 to bolster its local crime reduction strategies.
A Statewide Push for Safety
Since the program’s inception in 2021, the state has funneled more than $87 million to over 200 agencies. Governor DeWine emphasized that local departments often have the best “innovative ideas” for their specific communities, and these grants allow those ideas to become reality.
“Their work to implement crime-fighting technology and tactics is making Ohio safer,” Governor DeWine said in a statement.
Broader Regional Support
Neighboring counties are also seeing an influx of support in this latest round of funding. Pike County received $13,955.76, and Franklin County was awarded $100,000, highlighting a regional effort to tighten the net on violent offenders in Central and Southern Ohio.
The funding for this round is secured through the state’s 2026-2027 operating budget, ensuring that local sheriffs have the resources needed to maintain proactive enforcement throughout the year.
Local Grant Breakdown
| Agency | County | Grant Amount |
| Ross County Sheriff’s Office | Ross | $50,000.00 |
| Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office | Fairfield | $33,244.70 |
| Pike County Sheriff’s Office | Pike | $13,955.76 |
| Franklin County Sheriff’s Office | Franklin | $100,000.00 |
