Gov. Holcomb Announces Next Round of PPE for Volunteer Fire Departments

Three volunteer fire departments in Eagle Country were among the recipients.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security today 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. 

Through Governor Holcomb's 2023 Next Level Agenda, $17.7 million was allocated to firefighters through PPE and new training facilities for volunteer stations across the state. The investment marks the first time the 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. 

The $10 million will purchase 940 complete sets of PPE and SCBA, benefiting 66 fire departments across every fire district in the state. Local recipients include East Enterprise Volunteer Fire Department, Friendship Volunteer Fire Department, and Otter Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department. 

“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." 

Below is a full list of fire departments that have been issued PPE. 

.