PLAINFIELD — First responders statewide, including local fire and police departments and emergency management agencies in northwest Indiana, have received grants from the Duke Energy Foundation.
The funding, which totals nearly $300,000 for organizations across the state, is being recognized during Indiana’s annual Winter Weather Preparedness Week.
Why it matters
• 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.
• The grants will help public safety agencies increase their response capabilities during severe weather and other emergencies through advanced preparation, planning, equipment, and training.
Local impact
In northwest Indiana, the shareholder-funded Duke Energy Foundation grants have been awarded to the following organizations:
• City of Delphi (Carroll County) — $5,000 to help launch the police department’s first K-9 program, which will help with narcotics and missing-person searches
• Clinton County — $5,000 to purchase 200 emergency hand crank weather radios for distribution to vulnerable and underserved residents within the community
• Hillsboro Fire Department (Fountain County) — $5,000 for emergency preparedness, response, and training materials
• Montgomery County Emergency Response Team — $5,000 to participate in advanced training, workshops, and networking to enhance disaster response, preparedness, and community resilience capabilities
•Tippecanoe County — $5,500 for a drone featuring improved visibility features that will assist with missing-person searches
• Warren County — $3,000 to support the purchase of specialized lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle fire suppression and containment equipment for Warren County fire departments
• West Lafayette Fire Department (Tippecanoe County) — $1,000 for equipment and advanced training
“Our crews have already responded to 12 major storms in our Indiana service territory in 2026 – that’s the highest number in three years,” said Stan Pinegar, president, Duke Energy Indiana. “Fortunately, we work with first responders across the 69 counties we serve to respond to respond to these storms. We’re thankful for their support and all they do to keep their communities safe.”
