Greencastle Fire Captain chosen as Fire Officer of the Year

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.