Indy Standard

Nominations are now open for Indiana's inaugural award dedicated to honoring first responders who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. This initiative comes as a result of legislation co-authored by State Representative Stephen Bartels and supported by State Representative Chris May.

The Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor is designed to recognize firefighters, emergency medical responders, law enforcement officers, and others who display exceptional bravery and risk their lives beyond the call of duty. "It is a tremendous honor to co-author this law to recognize the first responders who risk their lives every day for us," stated Bartels, who chairs the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. He added that first responders show immense courage, and this medal serves as a tribute to those who make significant sacrifices.

Eligibility for the award extends to various roles within Indiana's emergency services. These include law enforcement officers, firefighters, corrections officers, public safety telecommunicators, EMS workers, emergency management service providers, county coroners and deputies, public safety agency employees, or volunteers involved in rapid emergency response.

May emphasized the importance of recognizing these individuals: "The Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor commemorates the sacrifices of those who go above and beyond to keep our communities safe." He noted that all first responders are ready at any moment's notice and that this award expresses gratitude to those willing to put everything on the line for others.

Further information about nominating someone for this medal or other recognitions can be found through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security at in.gov/dhs/special-recognitions.