{"id":169888,"date":"2023-09-07T03:41:50","date_gmt":"2023-09-07T08:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/?p=169888"},"modified":"2023-09-07T09:20:58","modified_gmt":"2023-09-07T14:20:58","slug":"state-ready-to-boost-volunteer-firefighter-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/2023\/09\/07\/state-ready-to-boost-volunteer-firefighter-services\/","title":{"rendered":"State to boost volunteer firefighter services"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

VW independent staff\/submitted information<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COLUMBUS — Recommendations to improve the volunteer fire service in Ohio are underway with much more to come by the end of the year. One of the budget items and key initiatives to come out of the Governor\u2019s Volunteer Fire Service Task Force is the waiver of all the State Fire Marshal Ohio Fire Academy fees for volunteer firefighters. This initiative ensures volunteer firefighters have free access to a vast array of training resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ohio is offering help to improve volunteer firefighter services. Photo submitted<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs the State Fire Marshal, I am proud to witness Ohio\u2019s commitment to our volunteer firefighters,\u201d Marshal Kevin Reardon said. \u201cThe decision to waive all State Fire Academy fees shows this dedication to providing support for those who safeguard our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In April of 2022, Governor Mike DeWine convened the task force to examine Ohio\u2019s volunteer fire service. This initiative, consisted of elected officials and firefighters representing regions from every corner of the state. Their findings noted the need for affordable training for Ohio\u2019s volunteer fire service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe embrace this step towards equipping our volunteer firefighters with the best possible training,\u201d Jack Smith, Bureau Chief and Superintendent for the Ohio Fire Academy said. \u201cBy extending free access to a wide spectrum of courses \u2013 whether on campus, online, hybrid, or through regional delivery \u2013 we are ensuring that every volunteer firefighter has a chance to enhance their skills and knowledge.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To take advantage of this opportunity for free training, prospective firefighters are urged to contact their local volunteer fire department. In addition, many volunteer fire department opportunities are listed on the website makemeafirefighter.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

In addition to the elimination of fees at the Ohio Fire Academy, DeWine included several additional recommendations in his executive budget which were later incorporated into the legislative budget last month. Those items include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n