Indianapolis, IN – Fire departments across Indiana are seeing immediate changes to certification requirements following a new blanket variance issued by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) on Monday, December 15.
According to IDHS, the variance temporarily removes the requirement that individuals must hold certain certifications before performing firefighting or related emergency services. The order applies to rules enforced by the Board of Firefighting Personnel Standards and Education under Title 655 of the Indiana Administrative Code.
The variance specifically suspends enforcement of 655 IAC 2-2-1(b), which previously prohibited individuals from performing fire or emergency duties without board-issued certification. State officials say the change is intended to provide operational flexibility for fire departments, particularly those facing staffing or training challenges.
However, several certifications remain mandatory and are not affected by the variance. These include:
- Emergency Response Support
- Firefighter I
- Firefighter II
- Fire Inspector I and II (unless otherwise exempt under state law)
- Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I
- Fire Chief Executive Leadership
All other certifications listed in the administrative code are now considered voluntary unless specifically required by statute.
IDHS officials note the variance is temporary and will expire under one of three conditions: when a new rule is adopted by the Education Board, 180 days after the variance is formally rescinded, or if the order is overturned upon review.
Individuals or organizations affected by the order may request an informal or formal administrative review within 15 days of issuance. Review requests can be submitted online through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security or by mail to the Education Board’s legal counsel in Indianapolis.
Fire departments statewide are encouraged to review how the change may affect staffing, training, and operational policies in the coming weeks.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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