While I cannot remember the exact moment that I decided I wanted to be a firefighter, I knew at an early age that I wanted to seek a profession which would allow me to help others in a significant way. That is why after serving as a firefighter for over two decades, when I could no longer perform my duties as well as I once had, I decided to join the state Legislature. There, I could fulfill my life-long passion of helping others, just in a different capacity.
As your state representative, I have the opportunity to propose and oversee legislation which seeks to support those Hoosiers who prioritize their fellow citizens’ safety over their own. Each day, law enforcement, fire service, emergency management and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel work on-call as first responders to incidents that pose a threat to the health and well-being of the people of Indiana.
It is with tremendous bravery, courage and humility that our public safety personnel serve the people of our great state, and no more evident is that commitment to servitude embodied than at the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. During the legislative interim, I have the privilege of working alongside the men and women who comprise the advisory board for the Homeland Security Foundation, where we work together to create more effective measures by which we can continue to protect Hoosier families.
Over the years, we began to hear from concerned communities that were struggling to gather resources and training so their local first responders could adequately perform their duties. In the interest of providing aid to those underserved, the Indiana Homeland Security Foundation Grant Program was established to fund public safety projects at the local level. These reimbursement grants fund projects up to $4,000 that support life-saving, day-to-day operational requirements and improve upon existing capabilities within departments.
Each year, as a result of these grants, Indiana’s emergency response personnel departments are able to address critical public safety needs. Last year, the Indiana Homeland Security Foundation awarded more than $400,000 in grants to 112 recipients in 62 counties. For instance, right here in southeastern Indiana, Decatur County was awarded $3,999 for a patient rescue and treatment sled while Napoleon Volunteer Fire Company was awarded $4,000 for personal protective headwear and footwear.
Perhaps the neatest part about this program is that it is made possible by Hoosiers like you through the purchase of the “Secure Indiana” license plate. The next time you renew your vehicle’s plates, I hope that you will ask for a “Secure Indiana” plate, at an additional fee of just $40, or purchase one online at www.in.gov/bmv/2798.htm. Your generous gift will offer invaluable financial support to communities across Indiana and serve as an act of gratitude for the Hoosiers whose selfless servitude extends far beyond the ordinary.
Furthermore, in the interest of promoting the importance of careers in public safety, the Foundation has established the Secure Indiana Scholarship Program. With graduation season upon us, I wanted to share with you this wonderful opportunity for young Hoosiers who plan on attending an accredited Indiana college or university.
Scholarships of $2,000 for full-time students and $1,000 for part-time students are currently available. Individuals interested in applying must serve as a volunteer with a public safety organization such as a fire department or law enforcement agency and have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher. The deadline to apply is quickly approaching on July 1, so I encourage those interested in submitting an application to contact council coordinator, Mary Fields, at mafields@dhs.in.gov.
To learn more about the Indiana Homeland Security Foundation or the Secure Indiana Scholarship Program, please visit www.in.gov/dhs/2363.htm or contact my office at 317-234-3827.
-30-
