Tornado-Stricken Ohio Fire Department Gets Help

A northeast Ohio town that lost its fire station in a tornado during the summer has gotten donated equipment to help its volunteer force.

The state fire marshal and the Cincinnati-area MN8-Foxfire company partnered to assist the volunteer fire department in Mineral City, which is about 15 miles from Canton.

Firefox donated radio straps, reflective hand tool wraps, helmet bands and other gear worth about $5,000.

State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers says his office gave the department 12 smoke detectors and also made the firefighters aware of state grants and loan programs that are available.

Flowers says that under the current state budget, local governments can access a revolving loan program and funding for training and equipment grants, including an additional $500,000 for firefighter training.