For Immediate Release Contact: Andy Ellinger

Feb. 2, 2023 PH: 614-752-7179

E: Thomas.Ellinger@com.ohio.gov

Task Force Report Recommends Grant Programs, Tax Incentives &

Improved Training for Volunteer Fire Service
COLUMBUS, Ohio –Gov. Mike DeWine’s Volunteer Fire Service Task Force recently delivered
its 31-page report containing the group’s recommendations to improve volunteer fire service in
Ohio.
“This report emphasizes Ohio’s leadership in
protecting our state’s citizens,” said Gov.
DeWine. “The Task Force has given us a
roadmap to continue improving the critical
service our first responders provide Ohio’s
communities.”
The comprehensive report contains
recommendations across several focus areas
that include:

• Volunteer recruitment and retention.

• Training issues to enhance volunteer
firefighter training.
• Financial stability of Ohio’s volunteer
fire departments.

“The progress made since the Task Force

was formed is evident in this report,” said Gov.
DeWine. “I applaud the work completed in
such a short time and look forward to seeing many of these recommendations integrated into
improvements for the fire service in the near future.”
Governor DeWine reviewed the initial report and included some recommended items in his
Executive Budget without raising taxes or fees. Those items include:

• Hire a full-time volunteer coordinator within the State Fire Marshall’s Office –
approximately $90,000 per year.
• Develop series of volunteer firefighter recruitment PSAs – approximately $200,000.
• Waive State Fire Marshall Academy fees for volunteer fire fighters – approximately
$600,000 over the biennium.
• Update and expand current training IT system – approximately $350,000.
• Increase firefighter I and II Grants – approximately $600,000 over the biennium.
• Increase equipment grants – approximately $2 million over the biennium.

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“The task force is pleased that so many of our recommendations were put into the budget
without an increase in fees or taxes,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “These quick
actions will make a direct, positive impact on improving the volunteer fire service is Ohio’s
communities.”
Many of the proposed recommendations will require legislative support and approval while
others will require policy changes within existing programs that regulate firefighter and EMS
training and support. Several additional recommendations include:

• Length of service awards program.

• Tuition vouchers for higher education.
• State income tax credit.
• Local property tax abatement.
• Expanding paid leave for State employees.
• Institute live-in programs for college students, young singles, and others.
• Establishing a new firefighter turnout gear grant program.
• Redesign training curriculum to improve competencies.
• Volunteer cadet program.

In April 2022, Gov. DeWine formed the task force to study the volunteer fire service in Ohio. The
group was spearheaded by the Ohio Department of Commerce, chaired by State Fire Marshal
Kevin Reardon, and comprised of local elected officials and firefighters from all around the state.
Gov. DeWine has charged the task force to continue its work with a next phase examining
response times for both fire and EMS incident calls.
“We are excited to build on the initial success of the task force’s work,” said Reardon. “The
members of the task force are ready, willing, and able to begin phase two to support the
Governor’s vision and support continued improvements for the fire service.“
See the full report and for more on the Volunteer Fire Service Task Force and its mission, visit
the State Fire Marshal’s website at com.ohio.gov/fire.
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The State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce, Ohio’s chief regulatory agency. The
Department is focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure
businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what
we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.

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