STATEHOUSE (Oct. 29, 2024) – Nominations are now being accepted for the state's first-ever award recognizing Hoosier first responders who are killed or seriously injured in an act of public service, thanks to legislation supported by local lawmakers.
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) said the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor honors firefighters, emergency medical responders, law enforcement and others who distinguish themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of the first responder's life above and beyond the call of duty.
"This is one of my most meaningful pieces of legislation that I've authored in the General Assembly, as the sacrifice of our incredible first responders should never be forgotten," said Lucas, author of the new law and a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "Through this new state award, we can honor those who put it all on the line in the name of service."
To be eligible for the award, an individual must be an Indiana first responder, such as a law enforcement officer, firefighter, corrections officer, public safety telecommunicator, EMS worker, emergency management service provider, county coroner, deputy coroner, public safety agency employee, or volunteer whose duties include rapid emergency response.
"It is a tremendous honor to co-author this law to recognize the first responders who risk their lives every day for us," said State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty), chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "First responders have immense courage, and this is a great way to honor those who risk their lives or who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to others."
"This new award is a special tribute to the first responders who displayed extraordinary courage in the line of duty," said State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown). "These Hoosiers are often called into immediate danger and this award honors those who consistently put themselves in harm's way for us."
"The Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor commemorates the sacrifices of those who go above and beyond to keep our communities safe," said State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford). "All of our first responders are available at a moment's notice, and this award is a thank you to the ones who put it all on the line to help others."
Learn more about how to nominate someone for the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor and other special recognitions available through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security at in.gov/dhs/special-recognitions.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
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State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes all of Harrison County, and portions of Clark, Floyd and Washington counties.
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State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
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State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,
which includes all of Lawrence County, and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.
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