STATEHOUSE (May 31, 2024) – The Metamora Fire Department recently received new personal protective equipment thanks to a $10 million statewide investment supported by State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville).
Patterson 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. Patterson said volunteer departments often operate with limited budgets and struggle to replace outdated equipment.
"These volunteers often rely on outdated equipment to do their jobs because their budgets are incredibly strained," Patterson said. "This new equipment for our volunteer fire departments will be a much-needed boost and I'll continue to find ways to support these men and women at the state level."
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 70% of Indiana firefighters are volunteers. Patterson said volunteer fire service is essential, especially in rural communities, and the new funding prioritizes those departments with the highest need and oldest equipment.
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, Patterson 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. Patterson 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. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) represents House District 55, which includes
all of Fayette, Franklin and Union counties, and portions of Decatur, Ripley and Rush counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
