The Multi-Agency Radio Communications System provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for first responders. The system allows first responders to seamlessly communicate with each other, as well as with other agencies that may be responding to an incident, according to the fire marshal’s office.
The cost to purchase and operate the radios and system can be significant highlighting importance of the grants.
Butler County departments will receive $197,616 total grant money with the departments of Fairfield Twp. Madison Twp., and Morgen Twp; as well as New Miami and Trenton receiving money to purchase the radios.
“Funding from these grants will give departments access to MARCS radios that they otherwise might not be able to purchase,” said Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “Having first responders use these radios improves emergency services for departments around the state, allowing them to better serve their communities and save lives.”
The MARCS Grant is available annually to fire departments with service areas of 25,000 residents or less. Priority funding goes to departments applying as part of a regional or countywide effort, as well as departments that show they are prepared to immediately begin using the MARCS radios upon receiving the award.
Last week, Madison Twp. Fire Department expressed appreciation via social media for the grant for “replacing the mobile radios in our apparatus which are nearly 17 years old and past their useful service life. We would like to thank the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ohio Department of Commerce for the generous grant award.”
The Trenton Fire Department also posted a thanks saying the grant will replace 10 radios, “Communications is a critical component of our daily operations. Our current mobile radios are from 2008 and are past their useful service life.”
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