Chavez Announces $8 Million In Investments For Volunteer Fire Departments

COLUMBUS— State Senator Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) announces nearly 200 fire departments across Ohio will be receiving Small County Volunteer Fire Department (SCVFD) Grants, enabling departments to better equip themselves and protect their communities.

"Volunteer fire departments are the lifeblood of emergency response for rural Ohioans across the state," said Senator Chavez. "I was proud to initiate this funding within the Operating Budget, and I am grateful to the State Fire Marshal’s Office for its effective and efficient disbursement of these funds."

As part of the 2026-2027 State Operating Budget, Senator Chavez championed a first-of-its-kind $8 million appropriation to provide grants to small county volunteer fire departments in counties of less than 70,000 residents. These grants will assist the state’s small county fire departments in purchasing essential equipment, upgrading facilities, and enhancing access to firefighting training. 

"The tremendous response to this program clearly demonstrates the critical need in our rural communities," added Senator Chavez. "As the conversation on how to better support volunteer fire departments continues, I look forward to working with my colleagues to explore future funding opportunities to ensure our small county departments have the sustained support they deserve."

190 departments across 49 counties have been awarded a total of $7,997,960 in funding through the grant program. A complete list of departments receiving a SCVFD award can be viewed here.

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