USDA Awards Grant to Salem Township Volunteer Fire Department

(Langsville, Ohio, October 29, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Ohio State Director Charles Tassell was joined by Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) in awarding a $12,000 Community Facilities grant to the Salem Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Through this grant, the fire department will purchase automated external defibrillator equipment to strengthen its emergency response capabilities. The equipment will provide critical, lifesaving assistance during cardiac emergencies and improve public safety for the township's more than 900 residents.

"Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Rural Development is supporting America's first responders," said Tassell. "The firefighters and Emergency Medical Services paramedics of Salem Township save lives every day, and this grant will help them continue their vital work."

USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These investments strengthen critical community infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and help rural towns attract and retain businesses and services. To learn more about these programs, contact Ohio Community Programs Director Charles Dietz at [email protected] .

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway . The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov , subscribe to GovDelivery updates , and follow us on X at @ohio_rd

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