Wiatt named new GFD Assistant Chief

For the last decade, Darrick Wiatt has served as a member of the Greencastle Fire Department,  serving in various roles.

Those roles and experiences have helped prepare him for his latest, as the veteran firefighter has been named Assistant Chief for the department. 

"To be candid, the reality of my new position has not fully set in yet. I am truly honored to have been offered this opportunity, though it feels as though little has changed in my day-to-day approach," Wiatt told The Putnam County Post. 

That approach includes a desire to treat every member of the department as the "remarkable individuals they are," Wiatt said.

"My career has taught me that effective communication and mutual respect are foundational to building a strong team. I intend to continue fostering this environment and to support Chief Frank in leading what I believe to be the best department in the state," he said.

Wiatt said his objective is to hold up the standards set by Chief Rob Frank, as well as taking on responsibilities,allowing Frank to focus on other projects. 

"Supporting emergency responses and ensuring that our firefighters have the necessary tools and resources remains a constant priority. It is equally important to ensure that our team feels valued and supported," Wiatt acknowledged. 

Frank welcomed the promotion for Wiatt.

"I am especially looking forward to working with Darrick as Assistant Chief. He will be overseeing department operations, including staffing, apparatus maintenance, and training. While these will be his primary responsibilities, he will also be learning all aspects necessary to serve as Fire Chief. My goal is to ensure he is fully prepared and capable of operating the department," Frank admitted.

Wiatt is no stranger to the leadership side of being a firefighter, as he is the Fire Chief for the Russellville Fire Department.  

"Serving as Chief at RVFD presented numerous challenges, and I acknowledge that I was not always successful. The role differed significantly from my current position, as it was volunteer-based and did not require regular attendance. Completing tasks demanded considerable discipline. However, the dedication of the team at RVFD made the job much more manageable. This experience greatly improved my time management skills and taught me the importance of relying on senior members for guidance. I learned that it is not necessary to have all the answers, but rather to know where to find them," Wiatt said.

And, he knows he can find those answers in those ho wear the uniform for the department.

"I believe that instilling strong morals, a solid work ethic, and positive character traits within our team is the most effective way to leave the department better than we found it. We have been successful in recruiting outstanding individuals, and it is our responsibility to guide them in the right direction and follow through on our commitments," Wiatt said.