Gov. Holcomb Signs Bill Helping Fire, Police Departments Find Talent

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at 10:25 AM

By State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg), news release

The bill was authored by State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg).

Shutterstock photo.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed into law State Rep. Randy Frye's (R-Greensburg) legislation making it easier for police and fire departments across the state to hire more Hoosiers.  

Frye's bill eliminates a requirement for members of police and fire departments to live within a 50-mile radius of where they serve.

"Local departments are struggling with recruiting and finding applicants to keep our communities safe," said Frye, chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "This change will help combat the staffing shortages we've been seeing and provide our smaller, rural communities more flexibility in hiring qualified individuals."

Frye said his legislation allows police officers and firefighters to live anywhere in the state as long as they have adequate means of transportation to and from work, and can receive calls from their employer.

"When I was recruited as a firefighter, I was part of a class of 360 people competing for 10 positions," Frye said. "Now, many of our communities must actively campaign to encourage Hoosiers to pursue careers in public safety. This legislation will help our local departments respond to changes we're seeing in this field."

House Enrolled Act 1033 goes into effect July 1, 2021. To learn more, visit [iga.in.gov]iga.in.gov.

More from Local News

Events

Serial OWI Offender Convicted and Sentenced

This case was investigated by the Ripley County Sheriff's Department. 

RCCF: Ripley County Filmmakers Fund Established

The fund aims to empower filmmakers and promote the art of storytelling.

City of Harrison Finalizes Schedule for Carolina Trace Road Closure

The infrastructure improvement project will be completed in two phases.

Cooper Archer Makes History, Jags Place 10th at State Bullseye Tournament

Several NKY schools qualified for the Eastern Nationals.

IBCA Announces Academic All-State Teams

Individual and team recognition.

SEI Trio Named to South All-Star Team

The annual Murat Shrine North-South All-Star Football Classic is set for July 10.

On Air

Exile Woke Up in Love 23:18
Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson Never Say Never 23:15
Alan Jackson She's Got The Rhythm 23:12
Luke Bryan Play It Again 23:09