As with everything else, volunteer fire departments need a little money to keep providing services.

Thursday, June 14, 2001

As with everything else, volunteer fire departments need a little money to keep providing services. And, with a grant from the state, some local departments got a much needed cash boost recently.

According to a release from the Ohio Department of Commerce, five township volunteer fire departments will receive a grant totaling $43,401.

To read the list of departments, and specific amounts awarded, click HERE.

The letter from the Commerce Department stated 684 fire departments throughout the state applied for the grant money. The state was able to pay out $790,383 to 107 fire departments.

Elizabeth Township firefighters received the maximum payout of $10,000.

Dale Waugh, the chief at Elizabeth Township, said the money will be used to buy turnout gear – the protective clothing worn by firefighters. He said this was the first time in about six years that Elizabeth Township received the grant.

&uot;Our turnout gear is getting old,&uot; Waugh said.

He said with the grant money, his department will be able to buy about 11 new jacket-pant sets for the firefighters.

The $10,000 is a much needed boost into Elizabeth Township’s fire department. Waugh explained the department works on an annual budget of about $8,500. That money, he explained, not only goes to fuel and maintain the fire trucks, but to pay worker’s compensation, insurance, electric and heating and all the other bills the fire department accumulates.

Because the department has to stretch a dollar so far, Waugh explained, very little money – if any – is left to buy equipment.

And how much does it cost to keep firefighters protected from their enemy?

&uot;A completely suited firefighter,&uot; Waugh explained, &uot;with Nomex hood, hat, bunker pants, coat, boots, gloves and an air pack, costs about $2,500 at the cheapest.&uot;