(Statehouse) – Indiana will invest $7 million in the state’s next two-year budget to expand firefighter training opportunities, enhance existing training locations and provide a standardized training model across Indiana, according to State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg).
Currently, the Indiana Fire and Public Safety Academy operates 14 training sites throughout the state. Frye says with this funding, the number of sites could be doubled.
Ripley County is home to Southeastern Indiana’s only training site – with the next nearest sites more than 80 miles away.
Frye says an additional $10 million will be used over the next five years to provide necessary equipment for firefighters across Indiana through the Regional Public Safety Training Fund.
That was included in legislation Frye authored and was ultimately included in the budget bill (House Enrolled Act 1001).
“As chair of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety, I am dedicated to making sure Hoosiers and our communities continue to be served by well-trained emergency responders,” Frye said. “These strong investments in firefighting training infrastructure and equipment are investments in our safety and will go a long way in helping to fill the fire emergency worker pipeline. As a retired firefighter, I am also committed to ensuring these public servants have the tools and training to make it back home safely.”
