Bloomington Fire Department Becomes Permanent Car Seat Fitting Station

The Bloomington Fire Department (BFD) has established Monroe County's first permanent car seat fitting station at its headquarters, located at 320 W. 8th St. Eligible parents or guardians receiving state aid can obtain child car seats at no cost, provided the vehicle driver possesses a valid license. The initiative, supported by BFD’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) team, received approval from the Indiana Department of Health and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Since its inception in 2023, the MIH team has successfully installed 45 car seats, demonstrating the program's immediate impact on local families.

Caregivers can schedule appointments by calling BFD or visiting, with the option for the MIH team to travel for installations in certain cases. Program Manager Shelby VanDerMoere expressed excitement about enhancing community resources for child safety. Additional fitting services are also available through Indiana University Health Bloomington Community Health, the Bloomington Police Department, and the Monroe County Health Department. This collaborative effort underscores a commitment to protecting children and providing essential support to families in need.