Police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services play a vital role in our community. Our first responders are always on-call and ready to act when there is a threat to the health and well-being of Hoosiers. These brave men and women who devote their lives to our safety require appropriate equipment and training to do their jobs.
As a retired firefighter, father of a firefighter and chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety, I understand it can be a challenge to obtain funding for new equipment and training. I am working with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to help spread the word about a grant opportunity for local public safety officers.
The IDHS offers a grant of up to $4,000 to local first responders. These grants support the life-saving, day-to-day operational requirements and help improve existing capabilities within local departments. Last year, the Indiana Homeland Security Foundation approved more than $370,000 in grants to aid public safety agencies throughout the state. Previously, this program helped public safety officers in Decatur County and Ripley County purchase protective gear and equipment.
IDHS is currently taking grant applications. To streamline the application process, a list of items most often denied is available online at www.in.gov/dhs and click on the “Indiana Homeland Security Foundation Grant Program.”
Funding for these grants is made possible through the purchase of “Secure Indiana” license plates. The $40 for this plate helps support those dedicated to keeping us safe. This plate can be purchased at a local BMV or online at www.mybmv.com and click on “Renew License Plate.”
If our first responders need additional funds, hopefully they can work to obtain a grant. I also encourage Hoosiers to consider purchasing a “Secure Indiana” license plate if they want to help our local public safety efforts.
If there are any questions about this grant opportunity, please contact me at 317-234-3827 or by email at h67@iga.in.gov. I appreciate hearing from members of the community in order to better represent our district. Stay up-to-date with the work being done at the Statehouse by signing up to receive my email updates at www.iga.in.gov/h67.
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Rep. Frye (R-Greensburg) represents Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties, as well as portions of Decatur, Jennings, Jefferson and Dearborn counties.
A high-resolution photo of Frye can be downloaded by clicking here.
