New Award Honors Indiana First Responders for Their Service, Sacrifice

A new Indiana law will honor first responders for their service and sacrifice. House Enrolled Act 1142 was signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb following the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session. The legislation creates Indiana’s first-ever Hoosier First Responder Medal of Honor. This award will go to public safety officials or their next of kin for their “gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of the Indiana first responder’s life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an act of public service.” Those eligible for this honor include law enforcement officers, firefighters, both career and volunteer, correction officers, paramedics, and emergency medical responders. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security will be charged with developing the criteria, administering the application process and receiving nominations.
WSCH-FM 99.3 Aurora

Carmel firefighters rescue water-happy dog who jumped into pond to chase after ducks

VIDEO: “Not sure who we rescued here,” the Carmel Fire Department said Monday after firefighters had to chase down a dog who leaped into a pond to chase a family of ducks. In a Facebook post made Monday, the department relayed the tale of the daring rescue. Rex, a Hungarian pointer, was seen doing “hot laps” in a neighborhood pond after he caught sight of a family of ducks. Rex refused to come back to his owners, who feared he would tire or drown. “To save everyone, the fire department was dispatched!” the department said. Firefighters broke out their new rescue boat, called the “nanner,” and took to the water to get the dog and free the ducks. “We’re not sure who was having more fun, Rex or the firefighters chasing him down,” they said. “But eventually, they were able to catch up and bring him home.”
WISH-TV CW 8 Indianapolis

Construction worker dies after trench collapses in Noblesville

PHOTOS: A construction worker is dead after emergency crews rushed to a recently opened Crew Carwash in Noblesville on Monday morning on reports of a worker trapped due to a trench collapsing. Rescue crews descended quickly upon the carwash located at 146th Street and River Road where authorities said a 21-year-old construction worker was working in an 8-foot-deep trench installing a water pipe when the sides of the trench collapsed. Photos from the scene appear to show rescue crews and excavators working along the perimeter of the Crew Carwash property. The worker was trapped for around two hours before rescue crews were finally able to remove him from the trench. Unfortunately, the worker was pronounced dead. Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison identified the deceased as Shawn Young, 21, of Elwood.
WXIN-TV FOX 59 Indianapolis

Pike Township, Indianapolis Fire respond to abandoned house fire

PHOTOS: Officials with the Pike Township Fire Department assisted the Indianapolis Fire Department with a house fire on the northwest side of Indianapolis early Monday morning. According to a post on the Pike Township Fire Department’s social media, the departments responded to a fire in the 4600 block of Sylvan Rd. at around 5:30 a.m. on Monday. In the post, officials said that the home was abandoned. Officials said that no injuries were reported.
WTTV CBS 4 Indianapolis

Indianapolis Fire Department crews rescue dog while responding to house fire

PHOTOS: Indianapolis Fire Department crews rescued a dog while they were responding to a blaze on the north side of the Circle City on Saturday night. In a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, IFD reported that firefighters were dispatched to the 1600 block of McCollough Drive around 7:12 p.m. When crews made it to the scene, they found heavy smoke pushing from a home’s roof. IFD made an aggressive attack on the blaze. Officials indicated that the fire was brought under control within 15 minutes. Firefighters also rescued a dog while they were containing the flames. Crews gave the dog oxygen after they assured it was safe. IFD reported that no people were injured during the fire. Officials are still trying to determine exactly what caused the fire.
WTTV CBS 4 Indianapolis