Indy Standard

Nominations are now open for Indiana's inaugural award recognizing first responders who have been killed or seriously injured in public service. This initiative is made possible by legislation co-authored by State Representative Stephen Bartels.

The award, known as the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor, is designed to honor firefighters, emergency medical responders, law enforcement officers, and others who have demonstrated exceptional bravery and courage at great personal risk. "It is a tremendous honor to co-author this law to recognize the first responders who risk their lives every day for us," said Bartels. He further emphasized the significance of acknowledging those who exhibit immense courage and sacrifice.

Eligible nominees must be Indiana first responders, which include law enforcement officers, firefighters, corrections officers, public safety telecommunicators, EMS workers, emergency management service providers, county coroners or deputy coroners, public safety agency employees, or volunteers engaged in rapid emergency response duties.

For more information on nominating someone for the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor and other recognitions available through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, visit in.gov/dhs/special-recognitions.