Indy Standard

Nominations are now open for Indiana's inaugural award recognizing first responders who have been killed or seriously injured while performing their duties. This initiative is a result of legislation supported by State Representatives Kendell Culp and Sharon Negele.

Representative Negele stated that the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor is designed to honor those in roles such as firefighters, emergency medical responders, and law enforcement officers who demonstrate gallantry and intrepidity at great personal risk beyond their normal call of duty.

"Because of the brave actions of firefighters, EMTs, police officers and other first responders, our communities are safer," Negele said. "We can now celebrate and honor these heroes who made tremendous sacrifices with this new medal of honor."

Eligibility for the award extends to various Indiana first responders, including 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 responsibilities involve rapid emergency response.

"Not all heroes get the recognition that they deserve," Culp said. "That is why we created a new medal of honor specifically for first responders who made tremendous sacrifices while protecting others."

Further information on how to nominate someone for the Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor and details about other recognitions available through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security can be found at in.gov/dhs/special-recognitions.

State Representative Kendell Culp represents House District 16 which includes parts of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke, and White counties.