First responders statewide, including local police, fire, and emergency management agencies (EMAs) in central and eastern Indiana, will benefit from grants from the Duke Energy Foundation.
The funding, which totals nearly $215,000 for organizations across the state, will help public safety agencies increase their response capabilities during severe weather and other emergencies through advanced preparation, planning, equipment and training.
Among the grant recipients is Hamilton County EMA, which received $11,000 to purchase voltage detectors, portable impact drills and bit kits to assist with the proper establishment of electrical grounding, and to stock a community outreach trailer.
Pinegar
“You don’t have to look any further than the severe midsummer storms that impacted our service territory in 2023 and 2024 to see how Duke Energy and local first responders consistently come together to assist our restoration efforts and help people get back on their feet,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar during his remarks at the Emergency Management Alliance of Indiana’s annual conference in Indianapolis Oct. 16. “That’s why I’m so grateful that today we’re able to help equip our fellow first responders with the tools and training to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way. In the end, it will help us build a more resilient state.”
During major emergencies and natural disasters, local emergency management agencies play a critical role in providing information, resources and support that Duke Energy relies on to speed power restoration for its customers.
“Grants like these are key to helping smaller communities reduce their vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters,” said Reigna Zeigler, president of the Emergency Management Alliance of Indiana. “This funding from the Duke Energy Foundation will go a long way toward ensuring that our citizens are safer, our first responders are prepared, and our communities can recover from disasters quickly.”
About the Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.