STATEHOUSE (Oct. 30, 2024) – State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) recently visited with local public safety officials to hear more about their needs ahead of the upcoming legislative session.
Lucas, a member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, met with Seymour Police Chief Greg O'Brien, Jackson County Emergency Medical Service staff, officials with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and Seymour Fire Department Fire Chief Eric Roll.
"It is so important to meet with community officials, who really have their ear to the ground on local issues," Lucas said. "Having these conversations is incredibly valuable and gives us a chance to discuss ideas and figure out what is and isn't working when it comes to state policy."
Lucas said while meeting with public safety officials, they discussed ideas to help support them and address local safety issues.
Last session, Lucas authored a law to recognize Hoosier first responders who are killed or seriously injured in an act of public service. The idea for the new law came from the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, which found that the state did not offer an award to recognize first responders who were injured or died while on duty.
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," Lucas said. "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.
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. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) (right) speaks with Jackson County Emergency Medical Service Executive Director Nathaniel D. Bryant on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at the Jackson County EMS Station. During the visit, Lucas asked Bryant and other EMS workers what issues they have as public safety officials and what he could do as their state representative to help.
