Several Ross County fire departments have secured vital grant funding through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry’s Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program. This program offers financial support to bolster the capabilities of fire departments serving communities with populations under 10,000 within designated Wildfire Protection Areas.
“We’re delighted to be able to extend these grants to local fire departments,” remarked Dan Balser, Chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “These departments play a critical role in safeguarding their communities, and the VFA grants empower them with the necessary training and equipment to effectively perform their duties.”
The recently approved grants encompass 85 projects across the state, totaling over $549,000 in funding. For Ross County fire departments specifically, the awarded grants include:
- Franklin Township Fire & Rescue: This department received $9,980 to acquire a truck slip-in unit and a UTV slip-in unit.
- Springfield Township Volunteer Fire Department: Awarded $5,700 to bolster their wildfire response capabilities through the acquisition of essential wildfire tools.
- Jefferson Township Fire and Rescue: This department received $3,747 to fund the purchase of a trailer.
- Colerain Township Fire Department: This department was awarded $9,883 to enhance their structural fire response capabilities by acquiring new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
VFA grants offer crucial support for rural fire departments often facing resource constraints. These grants can be used to fund a variety of essential equipment and resources, including firefighter PPE, fire suppression equipment, utility task vehicles, wildfire pump units, radios, tools, and other items critical to effective fire department operations. The program allows grants to cover up to 50% of a project’s total cost, with a maximum of $10,000 per grant.
The VFA grant funding originates from a dual source. A portion comes from ODNR Forestry’s annual VFA allocation, while additional designated funds stem from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
These grants empower Ross County fire departments to enhance their readiness and ability to respond effectively to emergencies within their communities.
