Indy Standard

Nominations are now open for Indiana's inaugural award recognizing first responders who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. State Representatives Stephen Bartels and Shane Lindauer announced the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor, which will honor firefighters, emergency medical responders, law enforcement officers, and others who demonstrate gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives beyond the call of duty.

Bartels co-authored legislation during the 2024 legislative session to establish this new award. "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, chair of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. "First responders have immense courage, and this is a great way to honor those who risk their lives or who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to others."

Eligibility for the award includes Indiana first responders such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, corrections officers, public safety telecommunicators, EMS workers, emergency management service providers, county coroners, deputy coroners, public safety agency employees, or volunteers whose duties involve rapid emergency response.

"First responders who put their lives on the line and make tremendous sacrifices often receive little public recognition," Lindauer stated. "This award will help us all honor them for answering the call when it's needed most."

Further information on nominating someone for the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor can be found through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security at in.gov/dhs/special-recognitions.