The locations marked on this map represent fire departments who received new personal protective equipment from a $10 million state investment.

Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security recently announced a $10 million state investment in new personal protective equipment.

This new equipment will allow volunteer firefighters across Indiana to better serve their communities.

The $10 million will purchase 940 complete sets of PPE and self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, benefiting 66 fire departments across every Indiana fire district. The selection process addressed the poorest volunteer departments first and those with the oldest equipment. The linked map outlines the areas where the equipment will be delivered.

The following local departments received full sets of PPE, including turnout gear and SCBA setup:

• Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department
• Etna Township Fire and Rescue Services, Etna Green
• Kewanna/Union Township Fire Department
• Winamac Volunteer Fire Department
• Fulton-Liberty Township Volunteer Fire
• Richland Township Fire Department, Larwill

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 that may be more than a decade old.

Through 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 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.”

“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,” said Indiana State Fire Marshal Steve Jones. “They run into burning buildings and are supposed to feel protected. 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. The vendor, MES Inc., will work directly with individual firefighters to measure and fit the equipment before delivery.

IDHS accepted submissions for several months in 2023 to determine the highest need departments. The application process is now closed.