Four volunteer fire departments in Logan County are among nearly 200 departments statewide receiving new funding through a first-of-its-kind state grant aimed at strengthening fire protection in Ohio’s small and rural communities.
Logan County fire departments — DeGraff, Huntsville, Lakeview and West Liberty — received a combined $193,221.44 to help purchase essential equipment, upgrade facilities and expand access to firefighter training.
The funding comes through the Small County Volunteer Fire Department (SCVFD) Grant, administered by the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal. A total of 190 departments across 49 counties were awarded nearly $8 million through the program.
The SCVFD Grant was established by the Ohio General Assembly during the 136th General Assembly through House Bill 96. The nonrenewable grant is available to counties with populations of 70,000 or fewer, based on the 2020 U.S. Census.
State officials said the funding comes at a critical time for volunteer fire services across Ohio. Approximately 70 percent of the state’s nearly 1,200 fire departments rely on volunteers, but the number of volunteer firefighters continues to decline as emergency call volumes increase.
According to the state, Ohio experienced a 6.5 percent decrease in volunteer firefighters from 2018 to 2021, while emergency calls increased by 9 percent from 2018 to 2020.
“These small volunteer fire departments, many of which serve rural areas of the state, are the backbone of Ohio’s fire service,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon said in announcing the awards. He noted many departments operate with limited budgets while continuing to meet growing demands.
Huntsville Volunteer Fire Department personnel outlined via a social media post Wednesday, Feb. 25, how the deparment will use grant funding to enhance operations and firefighter safety.
The department reported it will use funding provided through the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office to purchase new battery-powered vehicle extrication tools. Officials said the tools will improve efficiency during rescue operations by allowing faster deployment, increased mobility, and reliable power without the limitations of hydraulic lines.
Huntsville officials said the new equipment will strengthen the department’s response to vehicle crashes and other emergencies where seconds are critical.
In addition to the state grant, Huntsville FD reported it has been awarded new self-contained breathing apparatuses through a separate FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The updated SCBAs will provide improved respiratory protection, modern technology, and increased reliability for firefighters operating on the fireground.
Department officials said the combined grant funding allows Huntsville to maintain modern, safe, and effective equipment without placing additional financial burden on local taxpayers.
Logan County grant recipients
DeGraff Fire Department — $49,458
Huntsville Volunteer Fire Department — $49,991
Lakeview Volunteer Fire Department — $50,000
West Liberty Fire Department — $43,772.44
Total awarded in Logan County: $193,221.44
Area grant recipients
Shelby County — $169,131
Botkins; Kettlersville–Van Buren Township; Port Jefferson; Russia
Hardin County — $109,464.55
Forest; Roundhead; Southeast Hardin–Northwest Union Joint
Champaign County — $169,312.96
Adams Township (Rosewood); Christiansburg; JSP Joint; Mechanicsburg
Auglaize County — $259,417.45
New Knoxville–Washington Township; Buckland; Cridersville; Minster–Jackson Township; Uniopolis; Wayne Township
