(Indianapolis, IN) – Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) have announced a $10 million state investment in new personal protective equipment (PPE). The investment will allow volunteer firefighters across Indiana better serve their communities
Most Indiana communities are served by volunteer fire departments, and many operate on shoestring budgets and with dilapidated equipment. Some wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that may be more than a decade old.
Locally, the Metamora, Otter Creek, Friendship and Marion Township volunteer fire departments will use funds to purchase new turnout gear and SCBA setup.
The $10 million will purchase 940 complete sets of PPE and SCBA, benefiting 66 fire departments across every Indiana fire district. The full list can be found below.
Through Gov. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda, $17.7 million was allocated to firefighters through PPE and new training facilities for volunteer stations across Indiana. This investment marks the first time the Indiana General Assembly has dedicated funds specifically to firefighters. The only other funding source for firefighters is the tax revenue from the sale of fireworks in Indiana.
“While most people run from dangerous situations, firefighters run toward them to serve their community,” said Gov. Holcomb. “This investment is long overdue in our state. Nothing could be more important than for these brave men and women to be both properly suited and trained. It’s how we can best serve them as they serve us.”
The selection process addressed the poorest volunteer departments first and those with the oldest equipment.
“I travel extensively across the state, and I’m shocked sometimes at the rags that some of these men and women are wearing on fire scenes. They run into burning buildings and are supposed to feel protected,” said Indiana State Fire Marshal Steve Jones. “The volunteer fire service is the backbone of Indiana fire protection. This investment is long overdue, and we will be working hard to find additional funding to enhance safety even more in the years to come.”
The funds are administered by the Indiana Fire and Public Safety Academy, led by the Indiana State Fire Marshal and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
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