Federal Grant Award Summary

The Ohio Department of Commerce received a $496,120 Project Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Headquarters Financial Assistance Awards under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program (CFDA 97.044) effective September 30, 2025, with completion targeted for September 29, 2027. This award supports critical firefighter safety and public safety initiatives through financial assistance to enhance fire prevention and emergency response capabilities. Based on the AFG Program's established objectives, funding of this magnitude typically supports equipment procurement, training programs, facility improvements, and health and wellness initiatives for firefighting personnel and emergency medical service organizations across Ohio.

The grant aligns with FEMA's broader mission to enhance the safety of firefighting and public personnel with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. As a state-level administrator of federal public safety programs, the Ohio Department of Commerce leverages this funding to strengthen firefighter safety infrastructure and resources at the local and regional level. The 24-month performance period provides sufficient timeframe for equipment acquisition, implementation of training programs, and assessment of safety enhancements benefiting Ohio's fire departments and emergency responders.