Stark County first responders to receive retention incentives from state

Canton Repository
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First responders in Stark County are among the law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel across Ohio who will receive incentives from the state in recognition of their dedication to public safety and commitment to public service, according to a news release from Gov. Mike DeWine's office.

More than 10,000 law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel from 309 agencies will receive a total of about $35 million in retention incentives as part of the Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program, which was created to address first-responder burnout caused by understaffing and overall job stress.

Stark County agencies, retention incentive amounts, and number of first responders

  • Canton Fire Department, $560,000, 140 first responders

  • Canton Township Fire Department, $85,207, 27 first responders

  • Louisville Fire Department, $38,053, 16 first responders

  • Massillon Police and Fire Departments, $344,000, 86 first responders

  • Massillon Regional Emergency Dispatch (RED) Center, $44,000, 11 first responders

  • Minerva Police Department, $43,200, 11 first responders

  • Plain Township Fire Department, $208,261, 55 first responders

  • Sandy Creek Joint Fire District (Stark/Carroll/Columbiana), $44,060, 13 first responders

"In Ohio, we value our first responders and know that the work they do is essential," said DeWine. "Our goal through this program is to ensure that our firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement officers have the support and resources they need for their personal well-being and in their professional lives."

About $100 million has been awarded to emergency response agencies through the Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program since its launch in 2022. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency administers the program and provides funding to support initiatives, such as wellness programs addressing mental, physical, and emotional health issues unique to first responders; recruitment and retention efforts to restore workforce levels; onboarding and training costs; and explorer programs to engage young adults about first responder careers. The funding awarded to date includes about $1.3 million for several statewide service providers.

The program is funded as part of the $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding that DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly dedicated to first responders to help counter various pressing issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including increased stress and decreased staffing levels.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County first responders to get retention incentives from state