STATEHOUSE (June 5, 2024) – North Washington Volunteer Fire Inc. and the Carr Volunteer Fire Department recently received new personal protective equipment thanks to a $10 million statewide investment supported by local legislators.
State Reps. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour), Dave Hall (R-Norman) and Chris May (R-Bedford) voted in support of the funding to supply sets of personal protective equipment including turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatuses to more than 60 volunteer fire departments across Indiana. Lucas said volunteer departments often operate with limited budgets and struggle to replace outdated equipment.
"Firefighters need reliable gear to make sure they can save lives while protecting their own," said Lucas, a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "This equipment is a necessity, and thanks to state funding, these volunteers can suit up with better equipment."
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 70% of Indiana firefighters are volunteers. Hall said volunteer fire service is essential, especially in rural communities, and the new funding prioritizes those departments with the highest need and oldest equipment.
"Our volunteer firefighters are essential to the safety of Hoosiers throughout the state," Hall said. "For their dangerous work, they need equipment that will keep them safe. This funding will provide much-needed upgrades so they can better serve."
The Indiana Fire and Public Safety Academy, led by the Indiana State Fire Marshall and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, worked with MES Inc. to distribute the equipment.
"Hoosiers in rural areas depend on volunteer firefighters to protect them, their homes and businesses," May said. "We must provide the tools they need to keep others and themselves safe when fighting fires and responding to emergencies, and this state funding will help with their equipment needs and allow them to stretch their budgets further."
In 2023, local legislators also supported a new law that allows counties to adopt a resolution for one or more township fire departments, volunteer fire departments, or fire districts and territories to receive up to .05% of their public safety local income tax. May, chair of the House Local Government Committee, said this can be a great local option for sustainable funding and he hope more counties consider it.
Visit in.gov/dhs to learn more about the PPE distribution to volunteer fire departments across Indiana.
-30-
State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) represents House District 62,
which includes all of Brown County, and portions of Monroe and Jackson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,
which includes all of Lawrence County, and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
