Convoy given loan for new fire truck

COLUMBUS — The Convoy Fire Department will benefit from a state loan program that is providing funds to purchase a new fire truck.

The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal has awarded a $119,000 loan through the Small Government Fire Department Services Revolving Loan Program to the Village of Convoy. The money will be used to purchase a new pumper truck.

The loan program, created in 1993 by the Ohio General Assembly, assists local governments in funding certain major fire department-related expenses. Loan funds can be used to expedite the purchase of major firefighting, rescue or EMS equipment and can also be used for the construction or renovation of fire department buildings.

COLUMBUS — A total of $300,000 was awarded recently. Other loans went to the Village of Bethesda in Belmont County ($20,520 for fire station renovations) and Ridgeville Township in Henry County ($160,480 for a heavy rescue truck).

“This unique loan program allows the State of Ohio to provide lifesaving tools and better working conditions to the firefighters our communities rely on for safety each and every day,” said Commerce Director David Goodman.

“These fire departments will now be able to purchase better fire trucks and enhance their local fire station so they can better perform their firefighting duties,” said State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers. “This loan helps them achieve a goal that otherwise would out of reach.”

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

To be eligible, a fire department must serve a township population of not more than 5,000 people, a municipal fire department serving a population of not more than 7,500 or a joint fire district that serves a township or municipality that meets the above population requirements.

Fire departments must also be in compliance and current with the National/Ohio Fire Incident Reporting System and must be able to contribute at least 5 percent of the total cost of the project of purchase.