State Awards $266K for Mahoning County Fire Departments

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The state fire marshal on Thursday presented a $266,015.90 check to Mahoning County commissioners to be distributed to several fire departments in the county.

“I can’t reiterate enough the importance of this grant program. This means so much to local fire departments,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said. “It takes stress off their budgets and the county budgets. These programs will always have a place in the Fire Marshal’s Office. It’s a great pleasure to present this check.”

The funds will be used to enhance the capabilities of the fire departments and ensure the safety of firefighters and residents in the county, a news release states.

“We acknowledge the dedication and bravery of our firefighters who work tirelessly to protect our lives,” Commissioner Anthony Traficanti said. “This presentation solidifies that dedication to the safety of our firefighters and residents.”

The funds will allow fire departments to invest in radio communication, equipment and training. Here’s how funds were allocated:

MARCS Grant (Multi-Agency Radio Communication) for Equipment and Service Fees

• Beaver Township Fire Department, $49,381.
• Berlin Township Fire Department, $12,795.75.
• Coitsville Volunteer Fire Department, $20,195.
• Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, $39,693.40.
• Green Township Volunteer Fire Department, $9,606.60.
• Lowellville Fire Department, $43,978.75.
• New Middletown Village Fire Department, $19,563.75.
• Struthers Fire Department, $23,896.50.

Training Reimbursement Grant

• Beloit Fire Department, $825.15.
• Green Township Volunteer Fire Department, $2,850.
• Lowellville Fire Department, $850.
• New Middletown Village Fire Department, $1,750.
• Western Reserve JT Fire District, $630.

Equipment Grant

• Green Township Volunteer Fire Department, $10,000.
• Milton Township Fire Department, $10,000.
• New Middletown Village Fire Department, $10,000.
• Sebring Fire Department, $10,000.

Pictured at top: From left are Michael Springer, Sebring fire chief; Larry Sauerwein, Beaver Township fire chief; Todd Baird, Mahoning County Fire Chiefs Association and Green Township fire chief; Kevin Reardon, state fire marshal; Carol Rimedio-Righetti, Mahoning County commissioner; Anthony Traficanti, Mahoning County commissioner; David Ditzler, Mahoning County commissioner; Sherry Maxfield, Ohio Department of Commerce director.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.