Chavez Leads Passage Of Funding For Volunteer Fire Departments

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate passed the final version of the two-year Operating Budget, including historic funding for volunteer fire departments.

"Volunteer fire departments are vital for emergency response for rural Ohioans across the state," said State Senator Brian Chavez. "I am very proud to see Ohio include $8 million in grants for small county volunteer fire departments."

The budget includes $8 million in fiscal year 2026 to provide small county volunteer fire department grants in counties of less than 70,000 residents. Eligible fire departments may receive up to $50,000 in grants. All funds received by departments must be used for firefighting or rescue equipment or gear, or for fire department costs associated with the provision of fire protection services. 

Funding for this grant comes from the Ohio Highway and Transportation Safety Fund. 

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