Local fire depts. awarded state grants

VW independent news

COLUMBUS — Two Van Wert County fire departments are among 113 fire departments in 52 counties named as recipients of the 2022 Fire Department Equipment Grants, administered by the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal.

The Ohio City Volunteer Fire and EMS has received a $10,000 grant for personal protective equipment, while the Willshire Fire Department has been awarded an identical amount for personal protective equipment, communications, and self-contained breathing apparatus.

“These grants help ensure our smaller and rural fire districts are supported with new life-saving equipment,” Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said.

The fire departments were selected based on a variety of criteria, including the department’s annual budget, number of fire incidents, and the resident population served by the fire department.

Eligible fire departments must serve a population of less than 25,000, be in compliance and have submitted incident fire reports for the designated year.