Columbia Gas of Ohio has distributed Public Safety Grants to 17 organizations around the state, according to a release published by Marion County Now. Funding comes through the NiSource Charitable Foundation, and individual awards fall between $500 and $5,000.
The company said the money supports first responder training, fire prevention, CPR and first aid instruction, water rescue training and other community safety efforts. Columbia Gas of Ohio President and COO Bob Heidorn said in the release that safety is the utility's top priority and that supporting these groups creates a partnership intended to protect customers and communities.
Among the 2026 recipients listed are the Crooksville Fireman Association, slated for swift and flood water rescue training, and the Marion Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which will run a youth safety and basic needs outreach program. Other awards went to the Columbiana County CERT Association, the Fairfield County Fire Chiefs Association, the Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation, the Lindsey Volunteer Fire Department and Perrysburg Township Fire & EMS.
Several listed recipients include a sponsoring organization in parentheses, such as the Stark County Sheriff's Office with Target One Ministries Inc. and the Upper Arlington Fire Department with the Upper Arlington Community Foundation.
Community Engagement Manager Stephanie Merkle described the program's aim as strengthening safety education and training across the state.
Applications are reviewed by a committee of Columbia employees using established criteria, and program information is shared throughout the company's 60-county service area.