VINTIN COUNTY, Ohio — The McArthur Police Department and Vinton County Sheriff’s Office have been granted a financial boost of approximately $50,000 each, courtesy of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s ongoing commitment to bolstering law enforcement agencies across the state. This move comes as part of the Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program, aimed at addressing the challenges of understaffing and job stress within the first responder community.
In a statement released earlier today, Governor DeWine highlighted the significance of supporting first responders, emphasizing their essential role in ensuring public safety. “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,” Governor DeWine stated.
The Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program has already disbursed a total of approximately $35 million to over 10,000 law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel across 309 agencies in Ohio. This program, which was initiated in 2022, serves as a vital response to the burnout and stress experienced by first responders due to the demanding nature of their work.
Administered by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, the program also supports various initiatives that address the unique mental, physical, and emotional health challenges faced by first responders. In addition to offering retention incentives, the funding aids in recruitment efforts, onboarding and training costs, and the engagement of young adults through explorer programs that promote careers in the first responder field.
The Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program is part of the broader $250 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly directed towards assisting first responders in dealing with the multifaceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.