The Firefighter I Training Grant for Fiscal Year 2025 is administered by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM). This program aims to support the provision of free Firefighter I and Firefighter I Transition certification courses through SFM-approved training providers. The initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden on local governments, encourage shared resources, and expand access to firefighter training throughout Ohio. A key emphasis of this funding round is providing educational opportunities to volunteer firefighters, as recommended by the Ohio Task Force on Volunteer Fire Service Issues.

Eligible applicants include training providers affiliated with career/technical institutions, colleges and universities, and fire departments. To qualify, course providers must ensure that students enrolled in the funded courses are not charged any additional costs beyond the grant's coverage. The grant will fund tuition, administrative fees, equipment costs, and book expenses. Additionally, providers must offer students full access to all campus and web-based resources, comparable to those available to non-grant-funded students. Providers must also maintain official records of student registration and attendance and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The funding available for this program is unspecified; however, individual awards may be granted up to $2,000 per student for both the Firefighter I and Firefighter I Transition certification courses. Funding will be disbursed in two stages: 50% upon submission of the grant payment request form and the remaining 50% upon receipt of the final class roster and any other requested documentation. The program stipulates that courses must begin on or after July 1, 2024, and be completed by May 1, 2025.

Applications will be accepted beginning January 15, 2025, and must be submitted by April 1, 2025. Award notifications will be issued within ten business days of receipt of an application. Grant payment requests and supporting documents must be submitted via mail, email, or fax to the designated addresses provided by the funding agency.

The grant does not require a matching contribution. However, award recipients and course providers must adhere to specific guidelines regarding the provision of training, ensuring that all services, materials, and course structures meet the program’s stated requirements. The funding agency, along with course providers, is not liable for indirect, consequential, incidental, special, or punitive damages, nor for any lost profits.

For further information or inquiries, applicants may contact the Department of Commerce, Division of State Fire Marshal, at (614) 752-7122 or via email at commercegrants@com.state.oh.us. Applications and payment requests must be submitted through the appropriate channels, with questions directed to the program administrator.