Andrade receives 2022 Legislator of the Year Award from Indiana Fire Chiefs Association

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Fire Chiefs Association has awarded state Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) with its 2022 Legislator of the Year award. Andrade's local fire chiefs presented him with the award at an in-district meeting about first responders' current priorities and challenges.

Andrade's advocacy for firefighters includes co-authoring House Enrolled Act 115 from 2021. The law made changes to the misdemeanor of “interfering with public safety.” Previously, the misdemeanor only applied when a person entered a marked-off area after a law enforcement officer or EMS provider denied them entry. The new law included firefighters among those professionals, establishing in the law that firefighters' directive is as important as that of other public safety officials. Additionally, he co-sponsored Senate Enrolled Act 396 in 2021, which made changes to the 1977 pension and disability fund.

“It's an honor to receive this prestigious award from the Fire Chiefs Association. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve those who serve us, especially when firefighters like those in my district are volunteers,” Andrade said. “It is important to support our first responders because doing so ensures that they and our communities remain safe. Thank you again to the Fire Chiefs Association for this recognition. It is an honor to serve.”