By State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper)
Throughout the state, volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line to protect their fellow Hoosiers.
As someone who lives in rural Indiana, I've seen firsthand the work Hoosier volunteer firefighters put in everyday for our communities across the state.
Whether they're responding to a house fire or a car crash, these men and women take time away from their families and risk their own physical safety to ensure we get help during our greatest times of need.
Often, volunteer firefighters must use their personal money to purchase the necessary clothing to carry out their duties and maintenance on their own vehicles.
That's why this year I co-sponsored a new law that increases the annual clothing and vehicle maintenance allowance for volunteer firefighters.
Under House Enrolled Act 1048, these volunteers will be eligible to receive up to $250 for their yearly allowance, up from $100 per year. The bill also clarifies that the allowance is paid directly to each active firefighter by the local government served by the fire department.
This extra money will help ensure our volunteer firefighters are even more ready to protect our families, friends and neighbors, and I was proud to see this new law pass with unanimous support in the General Assembly this year.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns by email at s48@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
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