INDIANAPOLIS — Volunteer firefighters in Indiana are set to receive several million dollars in additional funding to replace decades-old equipment thanks to a grant provided by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Tuesday morning that around $10 million is set to be invested in various communities throughout the state to purchase new personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus.
“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 funds will be used to buy 940 sets of PPE and SBCA for 66 different volunteer fire departments throughout each Indiana fire district in the state, according to the news release.
The funds will be supplied by the Indiana Fire and Public Safety Academy, which is led by the Indiana State Fire Marshal and IDHS.
Holcomb said in the news release this investment represents the first time that volunteer stations have received funding from the Indiana General Assembly. This announcement follows a $17.7 million investment that was awarded to volunteer firefighters last year through the governor’s Next Level Agenda.
“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.”
One of the main sources of revenue for firefighters every year is from the sale of fireworks across the Hoosier state.
The release said the vendor, MES Inc., would be meeting with firefighters to ensure the equipment fits before delivering.
IDHS determined funding amounts for each submission based on the amount of need within each department.
