City Awarded Homeland Security Grant
August 17, 2026
For Immediate Release:
August 17, 2026
CITY OF LAWRENCE AWARDED HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT
GRANT TO ENHANCE EMERGENCY RESPONSE CAPABILITIES
LAWRENCE, Ind. – Mayor Deb Whitfield announced today that the City of Lawrence Fire Department has been awarded a $70,000 grant through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) to strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve public safety throughout the City of Lawrence.
The grant includes funding for two critical pieces of equipment:
• $50,000 for a new EMS MedCart
• $20,000 for Thermal Imaging Cameras
The EMS MedCart is a specialized off-road emergency medical vehicle designed to transport EMS personnel, medical equipment, and patients in locations that are difficult or impossible for traditional ambulances to access. MedCart will enhance the department's ability to respond to emergencies in areas such as Fort Harrison State Park, large public events, festivals, athletic venues, wooded areas, and other locations where standard emergency vehicles have limited access. It will significantly expand the department's capabilities during special events, search and rescue operations, mass casualty incidents, and other emergencies where rapid patient access is critical.
The grant also provides funding for thermal imaging cameras (TICs) that will be carried on frontline fire apparatus and used by Lawrence firefighters during emergency responses. Thermal imaging cameras use infrared technology to detect heat signatures that are invisible to the naked eye. They improve firefighter safety by helping crews locate victims trapped in smoke-filled structures, identify hidden fire extensions behind walls and ceilings, navigate low-visibility environments, and detect hazardous hot spots during fire suppression and overhaul operations.
Said Mayor Whitfield, “The State Homeland Security Program provides funding to improve communities' preparedness for natural disasters, large-scale emergencies, and intentional acts of violence. This equipment will enhance the Lawrence Fire Department's ability to respond to incidents involving large public gatherings, complex rescue operations, and other emergencies while improving the department's day-to-day emergency response capabilities.”
Media Contact
Denise Herd, Herd Strategies
317-796-0514
denise@herdstrategies.com
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About the City of Lawrence, Indiana
Located northeast of Indianapolis, the City of Lawrence is Indiana’s 20th largest city and home to approximately 50,000 residents. While its military base was decommissioned in 1996, Lawrence has grown into a vibrant community that blends rich history with modern amenities. Under the leadership of Mayor Deb Whitfield, the city continues to thrive as a welcoming place to live, work, and play. Learn more at cityoflawrence.org.
