Frye's Volunteer Firefighter Scholarship Bill Passes Committee

House Bill 1064 seeks to award Ivy Tech Community College scholarships to young people who volunteer with their local fire department.

File photo.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – A southeastern Indiana state lawmaker’s bill aimed at increasing participation with Hoosier police and fire departments is advancing to the House floor.

State Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg) is a retired Indianapolis firefighters. He has authored House Bill 1064, which would establish the Ivy Tech Public Safety Scholarship.

The bill was passed by the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee this week.

According to Frye, this scholarship would provide tuition for a public safety officer to pursue any certificate or associate degree program offered by Ivy Tech Community College for two academic years or less.

"The demand for new public safety officers in Indiana is high,” Frye said. “This scholarship would help recruit young people to this rewarding career while encouraging them to grow their skills and remain in our community.”

For the first two years of the program, it would only be available to volunteer firefighters. In 2021, it would open up to all public safety officers, including paid firefighters, police officers, and EMTs. Those receiving the scholarship would have to possess a high school diploma.

According to the Indiana Volunteer Firefighter's Association, there are 824 fire/rescue departments/organizations in the state. A growing number of those volunteer departments are having trouble recruiting new firefighters as older members retire.

RELATED STORIES:

Frye: Offer Free College Tuition To Volunteer Firefighters

More from Local News


Events

Intersection Improvement Work Planned in Greendale

Work at the intersection of U.S. 50, State Road 1 (Belleview Drive), and the I-275 on-ramp.

Skyline Chili Named #1 Regional Fast Food Restaurant

Whenever you are feeling good and hungry...

Indiana Unemployment Rate Improves in June

The state's jobless rate remains lower than the national rate.

Cincinnati Man Takes First Place at Trojan Trot 5K

The second of six SIRC races was held on Saturday in St. Leon.

DCF's 24th Annual Golf Scramble Fundraiser Set for August 4

The round will be played at Hidden Valley Golf Club.

Versailles Native Wins Lions Pride 5K

The next Southeastern Indiana Racing Circuit event is July 12 in St. Leon.

On Air

Alison Wiegand playing
Ronnie Dunn - Bleed Red

Anne Murray A Little Good News 6:33
Jimmy Wayne I Love You This Much 6:28
Thompson Square If I Didn't Have You 6:25
Tom T. Hall Me and Jesus 6:22