09/15/2026
Bluecoats of Medina County Awards More Than $21,000 in Second Annual First Responder Grants:
MEDINA COUNTY, Ohio — Bluecoats of Medina County announced September 12th the recipients of its 2026 First Responder Grant Program, awarding more than $21,000 to seven local agencies and an additional contribution to support a nationally recognized veteran wellness initiative. Now in its second year, the program drew 23 applications — including 20 from first responder departments, two individual applicants, and one supporting organization.
The following agencies were selected for funding:
Lafayette Township Fire Department — Purchase of ballistic vests and helmets for personnel responding to active shooter incidents
Medina County Drug Task Force — Replacement of soft ballistic panels for three agents conducting narcotics enforcement operations
Medina County Juvenile Detention Center — Replacement of aging handheld metal detectors to strengthen facility security
Seville Police Department — Purchase of trauma plates to enhance officer ballistic protection
Seville-Guilford Fire & EMS Department — Structural firefighting boots and technical rescue/extrication gloves for newly hired firefighters
Valley City Fire Department — Purchase of a Sensit Gold Multi-Gas Detector for hazardous atmosphere response
Westfield Fire & Rescue District — Purchase of a Sensit Gold Multi-Gas Detector for gas leak and carbon monoxide emergencies
In addition, a generous private donor contributed funds on behalf of the Bluecoats to support Hives for Heroes, a program that uses beekeeping as a therapeutic tool to promote the wellness and recovery of first responders and military veterans.
"I was overwhelmed by the number and quality of applications we received this year," said Terry Pfleiderer, Board Chair of the Bluecoats of Medina County. "To better equip the men and women who keep the rest of us safe, is exactly the Bluecoats mission."
"When we reviewed these requests, it became clear that the need was real and the stakes were high," said Kathy Breitenbucher, Executive Director. "We didn't want to leave a firefighter without proper protective gear or an officer without body armor and have to live with the consequences. This program exists to make our community safer, and that's what we set out to do."
The Bluecoats of Medina County First Responder Grant Program accepts applications annually. Organizations and individuals interested in applying for future funding are encouraged to visit https://medinacountybluecoats.org or contact the Bluecoats office for more information.
About the Bluecoats of Medina County
Bluecoats of Medina County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first responders and their families who serve Medina County. Through fundraising, grants, and partnerships, Bluecoats work to ensure those who protect our community have the tools and resources they need.
Bluecoats of Medina County Support First Responders First Responder Departments Contact Us Bluecoats of Medina County is a non-profit dedicated to First Responders. Bluecoats of Medina County, Inc was founded in 2003 by a group of local business leaders who believed in the original Bluec...