INDIANAPOLIS — Some much-needed help is on the way for those who help us.
Gov. Eric Holcomb has announced that $10 million in personal protective equipment will be going to volunteer firefighters all across Indiana.
Many Indiana communities are served by volunteer fire departments, and they operate on shoestring budgets. This money marks the first time lawmakers have dedicated funds specifically to such first responders. The only other funding source these departments have is tax revenue from fireworks sales.
"While most people run from dangerous situations, firefighters run toward them to serve their community," Holcomb said. "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 $10 million will be used to buy 940 sets of personal protection equipment and breathing apparatus. It will be delivered to 66 volunteer fire departments across Indiana. The poorest departments are at the top of that list, along with 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," Indiana State Fire Marshal Steve Jones said. "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."