Gov. Holcomb announces funding for firefighter training centers

PLYMOUTH, Ind.- Gov. Holcomb announced historic funding for first responders to receive more training and protection on Friday.  

The funding is an investment in future generations of firefighters and some of them were in Plymouth today on a field trip to meet Gov. Holcomb.  

“Every citizen in Indiana wants to make sure that every professional and volunteer firefighter is equipped and trained so that when that call comes, at any hour of the day, 24/7, they’re ready,” said Gov. Holcomb.   

$7.7 million is going toward new firefighter training sites in the state. And $10 million is going towards turnout gear, breathing apparatus and other personal protective equipment.  

The first four locations of the new training sites are Corydon, Linton, Rensselaer and Wabash.  

“Literally folks, the first time that a firefighter is crawling down a hallway, throwing a ground ladder, pulling a hose line, is the real incident. And that’s unacceptable. And that’s why this matters," said Executive Director of INHS, Joel Thacker. 

With Gov. Holcomb in town, Plymouth High School brought students from their career and technical education program. 

Jennifer Felke, Director of technical education at North Central, CTE Cooperative said there is a large demand across the state for CTE expansion programs.  

Leo Sick Miller is one of those CTE fire and rescue students. 

“I thought this would be a really unique experience that a lot of people will watch from the sidelines. And to be able to take part in that, especially as a high schooler, I mean, it’s incredible,” said Miller. 

Miller says it’s important to show everyone that being in the program and earning the certifications is going to provide opportunities and contribute to the workforce.  

Each new site will cost about $600,000 and they’re expected to be completed by 2024. 

Volunteer fire departments can request new PPE on this website.