Budget Increase Boosts OH Fire Department Staffing

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and city leaders announced plans Tuesday to allocate more than $660 million to address public safety needs.

Under Mayor Ginther’s proposed 2022 operating budget, a large portion will go toward supporting public safety, addressing a rise in crime and staffing of both the fire and police departments. 

Mayor Ginter stated that $9 million will be allocated to conduct three fire recruit classes. The three academies will add 125 new firefighters to the Columbus Division of Fire in the coming year, meeting a pressing staffing need for the agency.