Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grants (FEEEG) Program

The Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant (FEEEG) is offered by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) as part of its Safety Intervention Grant programming. BWC is a state agency responsible for administering workers’ compensation insurance for Ohio's public and private employers. This grant aims to support firefighter employers by reducing their personnel's exposure to hazardous environmental elements encountered during emergency response activities. FEEEG funding is specifically directed at equipping firefighter employers with safety gear and equipment to improve occupational health outcomes for firefighters and eligible Emergency Medical Service (EMS) units. FEEEG is designed to assist Ohio-based firefighter employers in acquiring equipment proven to limit exposure to environmental hazards. Eligible expenditures include diesel exhaust systems for local source capture, extractors or washing machines for personal protective equipment, hoods with barrier protection, turnout gear for volunteer firefighters and EMS units, turnout gear drying machines, and washable gloves compliant with NFPA 1971 standards. These interventions address common firefighter exposure risks and align with the grant’s mission to proactively improve workplace safety for emergency response personnel. Eligibility for FEEEG is restricted to Ohio firefighter employers who are either public or private state-fund employers. To qualify, applicants must have active Ohio workers’ compensation coverage with no more than 40 cumulative days of lapse in the past 12 months. Employers must also be current on all BWC payments, have operated for at least one year, and have reported payroll for one full policy year. Furthermore, applicants must submit a true-up report and any outstanding premiums for the previous year within the grace period to be deemed eligible. The program emphasizes financial responsibility and long-term operational stability in its eligibility framework. The funding structure allows each eligible employer to apply for up to $15,000 during a three-year eligibility cycle. This cap ensures a fair distribution of resources while promoting consistent safety upgrades across fire departments in the state. Updated program guidelines now require applicants to submit three vendor quotes or a sole source justification if only one quote is available. This policy aims to maintain fiscal transparency and encourage competitive procurement practices. All applicants must submit a new application under the FY 2026-2027 cycle, as prior submissions do not carry over. Applications will be accepted beginning July 1, 2025, pending approval of the fiscal year 2026-2027 state operating budget. Volunteer EMS units are newly eligible for turnout gear under this funding round. Current FEEEG participants who did not submit applications via the grant and program management portal must complete their proof of spending and case study documentation through the portal. The process includes creating an account, uploading spending documentation, and submitting case studies through designated sections in the system. For more information, applicants should consult the application instructions provided by BWC. For general inquiries, interested parties can contact Safety Services Safety Grant Programs by phone at 1-614-466-1320 or 1-800-644-6292. Fax inquiries can be sent to 614-365-4972, and email inquiries should be directed to the safety grants team. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the BWC website for the most up-to-date information on application windows, eligibility changes, and procedural requirements.

Ensure you follow updated quote requirements and submit all documentation within 90 and 120 days respectively. Maintain accurate records of employer match contributions.