STATEHOUSE (June 17, 2024) – Local volunteer fire departments recently received new personal protective equipment thanks to a $10 million statewide investment supported by State Reps. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) and Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville).
Haggard and Mayfield 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. Locally, Green Township Fire Rescue, A & A Townships Volunteer Fire Department and Fruitdale Volunteer Fire Department received new equipment. Haggard said volunteer departments often operate with limited budgets and struggle to replace outdated equipment.
"Firefighters have one of the most dangerous jobs, and they need to be able to depend on their equipment to keep them safe," said Haggard, a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "It's great to see the state make this essential investment so these men and women can more effectively protect our communities."
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 70% of Indiana firefighters are volunteers. Mayfield said volunteer fire service is essential, especially in rural communities, and the new funding prioritizes those departments with the highest need and oldest equipment.
"Hoosiers who serve as volunteer firefighters make tremendous sacrifices to help ensure the safety of our communities," Mayfield said. "We must do everything we can to help them in their work, and this funding provides needed updates to their gear."
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.
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. Mayfield said this can be a great local option for sustainable funding and she hopes more counties consider it.
Visit in.gov/dhs to learn more about the PPE distribution to volunteer fire departments across Indiana.
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State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) represents House District 57,
which includes portions of Hendricks, Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Johnson, Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
