New Award Honors Indiana First Responders for Their Service, Sacrifice

A new law creates the first-ever Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor.

Photo provided.

INDIANAPOLIS – A new Indiana law will honor first responders for their service and sacrifice.

House Enrolled Act 1142 was signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb following the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session.

The legislation creates Indiana’s first-ever Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor.

This award will go to public safety officials or their next of kin for their “gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of the Indiana first responder’s life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an act of public service.”

Those eligible for this honor include law enforcement officers, firefighters, both career and volunteer, correction officers, paramedics, and emergency medical responders.

“Unfortunately, some of these Hoosiers are injured or killed in the line of duty, and their service and sacrifice should not be forgotten. That’s why I supported a new law to create Indiana’s first-ever Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor,” said State Rep. Randy Lyness.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security will be charged with developing the criteria, administering the application process and receiving nominations.