Lake County first responder agencies receive over $585K in incentives

Sep. 18—Several Lake County police and fire/rescue agencies have received retention incentives to further fund services as part of the Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program.

State officials announced that in the region, just over $585,016 has been issued to dozens of personnel "in recognition of their dedication to public safety and their ongoing commitment to public service."

Lake County agencies include:

—Eastlake Police Department — $116,000

—Fairport Harbor Fire Department — $25,128.42

—Fairport Harbor Police Department — $12,000

—Kirtland Fire Department — $60,929.96

—Leroy Township Fire Department — $39,884.55

—Madison Fire District — $78,617.27

—Madison Township Police Department — $88,776.41

—Painesville Township Fire Department — $47,000

—Perry Joint Fire District — $116,682

Additionally, more than 10,000 law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS workers from 309 agencies will receive approximately $35 million through the program, which was launched in 2022 to address burnout caused by understaffing and overall job stress.

In total, about $100 million has been awarded.

"We value our first responders and know that the work they do is essential," Gov. Mike DeWine stated in a news release. "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."

Administered by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the program supports 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 also includes about $1.3 million for several statewide service providers, the release stated.

Ohio First Responder is funded as part of the $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding that DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly dedicated to help counter various pressing issues exacerbated by the pandemic.

Enhanced focus on the wellness of first responders is also recognized through the creation of the Ohio Office of First Responder Wellness within the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

The new office focuses exclusively on the well-being of first responders and provides specialized support and training to help agencies proactively address post-traumatic stress and other traumas caused by factors that are unique to first-responder careers.