Ohio is working to give more support to volunteer firefighters, support richly deserved by those who choose to do for the rest of us what so many would not be able — and do it without pay.

“As the State Fire Marshal, I am proud to witness Ohio’s commitment to our volunteer firefighters,” said Marshal Kevin Reardon. “The decision to waive all State Fire Academy fees shows this dedication to providing support for those who safeguard our communities.”

Yes, Ohio will waive State Fire Marshal Ohio Fire Academy fees for volunteers, through an initiative from Gov. Mike DeWine’s Volunteer Fire Service Task Force. When that task force found affordable training to be one of the most pressing needs of many volunteer departments across our state, it acted.

“We embrace this step towards equipping our volunteer firefighters with the best possible training,” said Jack Smith, bureau chief and superintendent for the Ohio Fire Academy. “By extending free access to a wide spectrum of courses — whether on campus, online, hybrid, or through regional delivery — we are ensuring that every volunteer firefighter has a chance to enhance their skills and knowledge.”

And that means they and their communities are safer.

While there are more proposals on the horizon, the task force’s work also led to several items included in the legislative budget last month: a full-time volunteer coordinator within the State Fire Marshal’s division, a series of volunteer recruitment public service announcements, update and expansion of the training IT system, increased equipment grants, and broadened eligibility for the Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grants to include emergency response “turnout” gear for local VFDs.

If you live in a community served by a volunteer fire department (there are more than 400 of them scattered across the state), these supports will mean the VFDs will be able to do an even better job keeping you and your property safe. The task force is to be commended, though we must hope these are only the beginning of the improvements it will make.