Yorkville Fire chief Jesse Cordery announces that his department was awarded a $15,000 Equipment Grant. (T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA)

YORKVILLE – The Yorkville Volunteer Fire Department has received $15,000 through an equipment grant.

The grant is through the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal.

The funding will allow the department to purchase critical equipment that will enhance firefighter safety and strengthen its emergency response capabilities.

Fire chief Jesse Cordery said that investments like the grant helps ensure his firefighters have the proper tools and resources needed to safely and effectively serve the community.

“These upgrades will help ensure our firefighters have safe, reliable tools when responding to emergencies,” he said. “Ultimately this funding helps us better protect our community and the volunteers who serve it.”

He added that he would like to send his appreciation to the Ohio Department of Commerce and the Division of State Fire Marshal for the continued support of fire departments and its commitment to improving fire and emergency services across the entire state.

“Grants such as these are extremely important to departments like ours, helping us maintain modern equipment while continuing to provide the highest level of protection to the residents we serve,” Cordery said. “We remain committed to protecting our community and are grateful for the continued support we receive.

He said that the funds will go towards a new gas monitor, nomex, gloves, thermal imaging Cameras, new fire hose, and K12 saws.

The grant will reimburse the village after it purchases the equipment.

“What we have to do is basically price out what we want to get, then the Village pays for it, and turns in all the receipts, and then we get it reimbursed,” he said. “Everything’s got to be turned in by October 1.”

Cordery added that the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal awards the grant to different small fire departments around Ohio each year. He said that the grant allows volunteer firefighters to have reliable equipment that is needed to protect the community.

“I know that we’re very grateful to the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal for continuing to support small departments like ours,” he said. “I’d also like to recognize our volunteer firefighters who dedicate their time to training and responding to emergencies. Their commitment to protecting this community is what makes our department strong.”

Once Cordery was notified that his department was awarded the grant, he met with representatives of Atlantic Emergency Equipment to discuss the best options with the amount of funds awarded.

“This $15,000 equipment grant will allow us to upgrade several important pieces of equipment for our firefighters for a volunteer department,” he said. “Grants like this are extremely important because they help us maintain safe and reliable equipment without placing additional burden on our taxpayers.”