Back in February, we told you about legislation that would help Indiana firefighters become what’s known as “covered persons.”
The bill has now been signed into law.
Becoming a covered person basically means that firefighters, both paid and volunteer, can apply to be removed from the public record.
It’s similar to being a police officer or judge in that you won’t be able to find their name and address online anywhere.
It comes on the heels of an incident right here in Evansville.
Jonathan Wright is a firefighter with the Evansville Fire Department.
In 2021, he was stabbed in the face just below his left eye.
He got stitched up and finished his shift.
Afterwards, he had to testify in court against the man who had stabbed him.
Out of fear of retaliation, he wanted to take his name and address off of public record.