Reps. Ledbetter, Lindauer: Indiana launches award recognizing first responders who go above and beyond call of duty

Posted by: Graham Loughead  | Monday, October 28, 2024

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 28, 2024) – Nominations are now being accepted for the state's first-ever award recognizing Hoosier first responders who are killed or seriously injured in an act of public service, according to State Reps. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper).

Ledbetter said 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.

"First responders are our first call when an accident occurs," Ledbetter said. "These men and women who go above and beyond the call of duty deserve recognition for their bravery."

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.

"First responders who put their lives on the line and make tremendous sacrifices often receive little public recognition," Lindauer said. "This award will help us all honor them for answering the call when it's needed most."

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. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75,
which includes portions of Gibson, Pike and Warrick counties.
Click
here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes all of Martin County, and portions of Daviess, Dubois and Pike counties.
Click 
here to download a high-resolution photo.