Sec. 6. (a) The department may establish the fire and public safety academy training system to create and conduct programs to train public safety personnel.

     (b) The department may develop programs to train:

(1) fire department personnel and volunteers;

(2) emergency medical services personnel;

(3) telecommunicators;

(4) emergency management personnel; and

(5) chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives personnel.

     (c) The department may develop training programs in cooperation with:

(1) any accredited educational institution;

(2) any fire fighting association;

(3) the Indiana emergency response commission established by IC 13-25-1-1;

(4) the Indiana emergency medical services commission established by IC 16-31-2-1;

(5) the board of firefighting personnel standards and education established by IC 22-12-3-1; or

(6) any other public safety agency of the state or political subdivision of the state, or public safety organization or association.

The academy or the accredited educational institution under subdivision (1) may conduct the programs.

     (d) The programs developed under this section must cover the areas of:

(1) fire prevention;

(2) enforcement of fire safety laws;

(3) firefighting;

(4) emergency medical services; and

(5) other areas of public safety.

     (e) The department shall establish inspection training requirements for members of volunteer fire companies and certify individuals who meet these requirements.

     (f) If the department establishes a training program under subsection (a), the academy shall collaborate with public safety boards and commissions of the state to establish criteria for certification and credentialing of public safety personnel.

     (g) The academy may provide programs for research, professional development, and accreditation.

     (h) The department shall provide staff and meeting facilities to the education board to carry out section 7 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.245-1987, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.1-2006, SEC.366; P.L.40-2015, SEC.4; P.L.187-2021, SEC.84.