STATEHOUSE (June 4, 2024) – The Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department recently received new personal protective equipment thanks to a $10 million statewide investment supported by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso).
Soliday 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. Olthoff said volunteer departments often operate with limited budgets and struggle to replace outdated equipment.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 70% of Indiana firefighters are volunteers. Soliday said volunteer fire service is essential, especially in rural communities, and the new funding prioritizes those departments with the highest need and oldest equipment.
"Our volunteer firefighters have always stepped up to protect our communities," Soliday said. "With this additional funding, we can better ensure their safety while on the job and their departments will be able to stretch their budgets further."
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, local legislators 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. Soliday said this can be a great local option for sustainable funding and he hope 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. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4,
which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
