PREBLE COUNTY — State Senator Steve Huffman announced last week the State Fire Marshal has awarded grants to several fire departments in Senate District 5, which includes Preble County, to upgrade life-saving digital communications equipment.

According to Huffman, MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communication System) Grants are going to nine fire departments in Preble Country and five in Darke County. The MARCS system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for first responders.

“The selection process for MARCS Grants is so competitive, this is a significant development for our district — one that will greatly enhance public safety,” said Huffman. “The money will go toward state-of-the-art wireless digital communications that will help our first responders save lives.”

The MARCS radio system allows first responders to seamlessly communicate, not only with each other, but with other agencies responding to an incident. MARCS radio system technology is advanced and the costs to acquire and operate can be significant. Priority funding goes to departments applying as part of a regional or county-wide effort, as well as departments that show they are prepared to immediately begin using the MARCS radios upon receiving the award.

Preble County fire departments awarded MARCS Grants included Camden-Somers Township Fire & Rescue, $35,806.32; Eaton Fire Division, $4,810; Gasper Township Fire & Rescue, $5,703; Eldorado Fire Department, $360; Gratis Volunteer Fire Department, $720; Lewisburg Fire Department, $22,052.28; Northwest Fire & Ambulance, $490; Verona Fire Department, $7,990.50 and West Alexandria Fire Department, $2,400.