Generous donors have created two funds to help firefighters serving Licking County to access training and certification programs that do not otherwise qualify for state reimbursement. Each program has unique requirements listed in the descriptions below. We award training grants within each calendar year and as funds are available. Previous recipients may reapply, though preference will be given to eligible, first-time applicants. 

Bill "Army" Armstrong Training Grant

This fund was established in 2001 by the Licking County Firefighters Association in memory of Bill “Army” Armstrong, who was a very active part of fire service in Licking County. William (Bill) Armstrong, who served on the Newark Fire Department for 30 years and was a founding member of the Licking County Hazardous Materials Team, died in 1999. Bill was the President of the Licking County Firefighters Association for several years, headed up the Haz-Mat team, and also taught.

This fund assists current members of the Licking County Firefighters Association who hold a current fire card, and have been approved by their chief or training officer to complete a fire science or Haz-Mat training course that does not otherwise qualify for state reimbursement. These training courses must be provided by an accredited institution or licensed training provider.

Chief Jim Glover Memorial Training Grant

This fund was established in 2021 by the Licking County Firefighters Association in memory of Chief James H. “Jim” Glover who died on March 30, 2020. Chief Glover was revered as legend by his colleagues and loved by many in his community. Jim was a 1967 graduate of Utica High School. He went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. In 1970, he returned home and continued his service as a volunteer firefighter for Newton Township Fire Department. Jim served as a professional firefighter at both Rickenbacker and Oceana and retired from DSCC after 34 years of service. Jim's passion for firefighting never came to a halt as he continued his service as the Chief of Newton Township Fire Department for 20 years. 

This fund assists current members of the Licking County Firefighters Association who hold a current fire card, and have been approved by their chief or training officer and are registered to complete training courses that do not otherwise qualify for state reimbursement: fire service/fire science, Haz-Mat, EMS, dive rescue, and trench rescue. Preference will be given to applicants pursuing paramedic certification. These training courses must be provided by an accredited institution or licensed training provider. 

Licking County Foundation will begin accepting applications in June 2024.