Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) is strengthening the next generation of public safety professionals with a generous donation to Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis. The department is providing two fully equipped fire engines along with a variety of fire training tools to support hands-on learning for students enrolled in Ivy Tech’s Homeland Security and Public Safety program.
The donation will be formally recognized at a presentation ceremony on Thursday, September 4, from 3-4 p.m. at the Ivy Tech Public Safety Technology Training Center, located at 9530 E. 59th Street, Building B. Leaders from both the fire department and the college are expected to attend, highlighting the partnership’s importance to workforce development in Central Indiana.
“THIS GENEROUS GIFT FROM IFD PROVIDES OUR STUDENTS WITH THE SAME EQUIPMENT USED BY PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD. IT STRENGTHENS OUR ABILITY TO PREPARE GRADUATES WHO ARE READY TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES WITH SKILL AND CONFIDENCE,” said Dr. Stacy Atkinson, Indianapolis Chancellor, emphasizing the practical value the equipment brings to the classroom.
The newly donated fire engines and training tools will be integrated directly into Ivy Tech’s coursework, allowing students to gain real-world experience before entering the workforce. The college’s Public Safety Technology Training Center is designed specifically to offer specialized facilities and curriculum tailored to the demands of modern emergency response, public safety, and homeland security professions. With the addition of the IFD equipment, students will now be able to train on tools and vehicles identical to those used by first responders in active service.
“WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT IVY TECH’S MISSION OF TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF FIRST RESPONDERS. BY DONATING EQUIPMENT THAT HAS SERVED OUR COMMUNITY, WE ARE HELPING ENSURE STUDENTS HAVE THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO SUCCEED IN THE CLASSROOM AND BEYOND,” said Chief Ernest Malone of the Indianapolis Fire Department, stressing the department’s commitment to community service and education.
This donation represents more than just vehicles and tools; it symbolizes a deep collaboration between two institutions dedicated to public service. Ivy Tech and IFD share a vision of preparing students not only with technical skills but also with the confidence and readiness to serve their communities effectively. By bridging the gap between academic learning and practical field experience, the partnership ensures that graduates enter the workforce with a competitive edge and a strong understanding of real-world emergency operations.
Students in Ivy Tech’s Homeland Security and Public Safety program will be able to participate in exercises using the donated fire engines, practicing firefighting techniques, emergency response protocols, and other essential skills in a controlled, educational environment. These hands-on opportunities are crucial for preparing students to face the challenges of public safety careers, where quick decision-making and familiarity with equipment can save lives.
The presentation event on September 4 will provide an opportunity for students, faculty, and community members to see the donated fire engines up close and to witness the collaboration between the fire department and the college. It is a celebration of shared goals and mutual support, demonstrating how partnerships between educational institutions and public service organizations can benefit the wider community.
The donation underscores the growing importance of practical, experiential learning in higher education, especially in fields like public safety where theoretical knowledge must be complemented by skillful application. For Ivy Tech students, access to professional-grade equipment not only enhances training but also reinforces the college’s role as a critical contributor to the region’s emergency services workforce.
As Central Indiana continues to evolve and grow, initiatives like this highlight the dedication of both educational institutions and public service agencies to ensuring that the community is prepared, protected, and supported. With the help of IFD, Ivy Tech students are stepping into their roles as future first responders with confidence, equipped with the tools and training they need to make a meaningful impact.
The Indianapolis Fire Department Donation Ceremony for fire engines and training tools will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 3 to 4 p.m. The event will be held at the Ivy Tech Public Safety Technology Training Center, located at 9530 E. 59th Street, Building B, in Indianapolis, Indiana, 46216.
