Greencastle firefighter presented with Congressional Record

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 10:03 AM

By Paul Gable

I work for the best department in the world, so we deserve all the recognition, of course," Wiatt told The Putnam County Post.

A new year, another accolade for the Greencastle Fire Department, as Captain Darrick Wiatt got a visit from Congressman Jim Baird Thursday afternoon.

Baird presented Wiatt with the Congressional Record in recognition of his achievement as Fire Officer of the Year ast last year's Indiana Emergency Response Conference.

Wiatt said it was "humbling" to be honored.

"It's quite humbling. I never really thought I of all people would have received such a prestigious award, let alone be recognized by a Congressman in the House. I work for the best department in the world, so we deserve all the recognition, of course," Wiatt told The Putnam County Post.

The Congressional Record was dated from Nov. 19, 2024, and is a record of Baird's speech on the House floor.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Darrick Wiatt of the Greencastle Fire Department for winning the 2024 Indiana Emergency Response Conference Fire Officer of the Year Award. Darrick Wiatt has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication and was recently promoted to captain after six years as a lieutenant. Darrick showed extraordinary commitment during an incident in February 2024 where he supported EMS staff in maintaining the well being of a pediatric cardiac arrest patient. Darrick is also active in his community through volunteering with other fire departments and taking part in peer mentoring and engaging with others who struggle with mental health. Darrick won the Fire Officer of the Year for setting an exemplary standard of work, his outstanding professionalism and his commitment to the continuous improvement of the fire department. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to congratulate Darrick on winning this award," the record reads.

Greencastle Fire Chief Rob Frank said it is always good to see personnel get recognized for their efforts.

"It is a pretty big deal. Congressman Baird recognized Captain Wiatt on the House floor. I have been at the fire department full time for 13 years and it is the first time I think we have had a Congressman there. I was glad to see Darrick get the recognition he deserves because he puts in a lot of hard work and he is a huge part of the success we have had over the last year. It is a big deal for Greencastle Fire Department," Frank told The Putnam County Post.