Recently, I was honored to recognize Sergeant Ryan Vassar, K-9 Officer Alex Reillo, Officer Daniel Balich and Officer Luke Tambrini of the Munster Police Department for their heroic dedication to protecting and serving our community. I also had the privilege of recognizing Records Clerk Katie Tillman, Sergeant Jack DeLeeuw and Officer Kevin Cooley for their impressive 25-year tenure with the police department.
It’s rare these days to see anyone remain with the same office or department for 25 years. For police officers — who put their lives on the line every day with little thanks — this milestone is even more remarkable.
As a legislator, one of my highest priorities is ensuring the men and women who valiantly protect our communities every day have the resources they need to be able to do their jobs effectively and as safely as possible. Munster is only as strong as our local police force, and I look forward to continuing my work to strengthen police departments in our district and throughout the state as we near the 2024 session of the Indiana General Assembly.
Rep. Andrade with members of the Munster Police Department at a Munster Town Council meeting on Monday, October 16.
I also had the pleasure of serving breakfast to the Firefighters of Munster at their annual community open house. These men and women — including volunteer firefighters — work diligently to keep our community safe, and I can’t understate how vital they are to Munster. As lawmakers, we are obligated to ensure they have the resources and safety equipment necessary to save lives.
Last session, I was proud to author a bill which created funding for “stop the bleed” kits for law enforcement departments to assist trauma victims. I also co-authored Rep. Maureen Bauer’s bill to create a pilot program to test the blood of firefighters for PFAS, a known carcinogen, as well as Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn’s bill to enhance mental health care for first responders. These pieces of legislation — which all passed — are just small steps toward our larger goal of providing Indiana’s first responders with the tools they need to do their jobs and the resources they need to address the many traumas they encounter throughout their careers. This is vital work, and I’m committed to continue championing Indiana’s first responders as a State Representative.
Sincerely,
Rep. Mike Andrade
State Rep. Mike Andrade
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Website: in.gov/h12
Email: h12@iga.in.gov
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