First responders: the backbone of our communities, always there when we need them most. Thank you!

I want to thank Tim Swartz and the entire Hoosier Fire Equipment team for taking time out of their busy day at the FDIC International conference, North America's Leading Firefighter Conference, to discuss their workforce needs in the State of Indiana .

My goal was to learn more about the workforce needs of companies like Hoosier Fire Equipment that supply and service the equipment that protects all Hoosiers. Their needs span the traditional employer workforce needs to highly skilled mechanics and service technicians. The highly complex equipment (trucks, tools, turnout gear and firefighting equipment) continues to advance and become more intricate. Spartan Emergency Response Life Line Emergency Vehicles

I also met with leaders of fire stations from the City of Evansville, IN to my hometown of the City of Noblesville , IN and more. One of a few items that they shared was that they are struggling to fill the firefighter workforce pipeline. I shared that Indiana House Bill 1380, which passed earlier this year, allows an individual who is at least 16 years of age to enroll in and attend a training program for certification as a Firefighter I, Firefighter II, or emergency medical technician. Prior to HB 1380 individuals had to be 18 years of age. They agreed that HB 1380 is a great win for first responders. They also agreed that they are part of the workforce solution and they need to continue to consistently engage in the K-12 space to bring awareness of their careers.

Tim welcomed the opportunity to learn more about workforce related resources that can support Hoosier Fire Equipment’s workforce needs. I provided an overview of a few resources that are available to support employers as they develop and grow their workforce in Indiana. I also shared that these resources also support Hoosier citizens. One was the State of Indiana 's One Stop to Start program.

One Stop to Start is a statewide workforce development program that is aimed at connecting Hoosiers with existing workforce and job-related training programs and resources. With One Stop to Start you can:

• Connect with a Career Navigator free of charge to find the opportunities tailored to your career goals.
• Learn more about high-growth industries in Indiana and discover in-demand jobs.
• Find career resources for all education levels and working backgrounds.

The program offers Hoosiers and employers one-on-one assistance through a team of dedicated navigators. The overall goal of One Stop to Start is to ensure Hoosiers have awareness of and access to the programs that can get them on the path to realizing a high-wage career and to assist employers in connecting with training resources and skilled workers.

Thanks again, Tim, for your time.