When Greencastle Fire Captain Darrick Wiatt got the call a few weeks ago, he thought it was a joke.
"I found out a couple weeks ago that I was receiving the award. When I received the phone call, I, initially, thought someone was pranking me. I quickly realized it was real and was shocked," Wiatt told The Putnam County Post.
The call was to tell the veteran firefighter that he had been chosen as the Fire Officer of the Year. He received the award during the Indiana Emergency Response Conference this past weekend.
Wiatt said he was nominated and then a blind committee read the nominations before selecting a winner.
"I am very honored to be nominated, but to also be selected amongst so many great leaders was surreal," Wiatt said.
Wiatt said the distinction tells him he he has had "great mentors" along the way.
"My parents, Chief Frank, Bill Newgent, who has now passed away, Chief Rossok, Chief Taylor, of Putnam County EMS, and Chief Jason Games have all played a vital role in teaching me the importance of leadership. It shows that when you care for people, for more than the work they do, it is appreciated. We spend a lot of time away from our families and see some bad things. I try to make sure that everyone knows I care about them as a person above all else. This has consistently been instilled in me from day one," Wiatt admitted.
He also said the award was the result of the support and sacrifice of his family, as well as his fellow firefighters at Greencastle and the Russellville Volunteer Fire Department.
"I appreciate the support of my family, the sacrifices my wife and children make and my brothers and sisters at Greencastle Fire Department and Russellville Volunteer Fire Department. They make my job easy. Having such great folks to work with makes my job very enjoyable. I couldn't ask for better departments and communities to serve," Wiatt said.
"Improving Outcomes, Together" theme for National EMS Week
Candidates can begin filing for school board elections on Tuesday
Indiana Natural Resources Commission to hold public hearing for bobcat rule changes
Single-lane closures to impact State Road 63 near Cayuga
Parke County teenage arrested after biting toddler
Duke Energy breaks ground on Cayuga Energy Complex project
Miller, Vincent lead Parke Heritage Class of 2026
May 15 is National Peace Officers Memorial Day
Indiana Conservation Officers seek help finding track chairs stolen from Fort Harrison State Park
Clay County man among six drug traffickers, including one illegal alien, sentenced to decades in federal prison
110th running of the Indianapolis 500 a sellout, local TV delay lifted
Projects wanted for READI 2.0 and Lilly Blight funding
Rockville man nabbed for harmful matter
USDA requires SNAP authorized retailers to carry more real food
Congressman Yakym's staff to hold mobile office hours in Plymouth this month
Indiana state senator working to legalize medical marijuana
“Click It or Ticket” campaign reminds Hoosiers to buckle up
IDEM introduces new “Local Air Quality Advisory” for short‑term conditions
