About Buck Creek Township Fire Department

From a community meeting in 1951 to a fully career department today — the story of Buck Creek Township Fire Department.

1. Late 1940s

   A community fire sparks an idea

   The Mount Comfort grain elevator (Elevator #2) burns adjacent to the tracks of the New York Central Railroad, highlighting the community's need for organized fire protection.

2. 1951

   A department is founded

   34 community members meet to discuss the need for firefighting equipment in the Mount Comfort and Buck Creek Township area. The new organization would be known as the Buck Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department.

   

3. 1952

   First apparatus and first chiefs

   The organization process continues throughout the year with the appointment of the department's first chiefs. In September, BCTVFD accepts delivery of a 1952 750-gallon pumper from American Fire Apparatus Company in Battle Creek, Michigan. The pumper is temporarily housed at the Coddington Packing Company in Mount Comfort while permanent quarters are constructed.

   • Fire Chief Maynard Brown
   • Assistant Chief Ralph Haines
   • Second Assistant Chief Clarence LaThomus

   

   

   

4. 1953

   A permanent home

   Construction of the new firehouse is completed on 42nd Street (present-day Station Way) in the heart of Mount Comfort. The pumper is moved into the station in April.

   

5. Mid 1950s

   An early First Aid Unit

   The department acquires a "First Aid Unit," and members receive first aid training from the American Red Cross — one of the earliest examples of a fire department-based emergency medical system.

   

   

6. 1967

   First aid responses on the rise

   Department leaders note an increase in first aid responses and are confident this number will continue to grow alongside fire calls in the years to come.

   

7. 1974

   A homemade ambulance

   Members place a homemade modern ambulance into service, equipped with the latest oxygen delivery equipment and first aid supplies. Built in members' spare time using a variety of trade skills, the project saved thousands of dollars.

   

8. 1993

   First full-time firefighter

   The department hires its first full-time firefighter, providing regular coverage to the Township during business hours.

9. 1994

   Fire Station 2 opens

   Fire Station 2 opens on West County Road 100 North, one-half mile west of Mount Comfort Road.

   

10. 1997

    Twin pumpers arrive

    A pair of twin 1997 pumpers are delivered to the department, manufactured by Smeal Fire Apparatus in Snyder, Nebraska.

    

11. 2000

    Advanced Life Support

    Buck Creek Township becomes home to the second Advanced Life Support (ALS) program in Hancock County. Paramedics begin providing ALS care throughout the Township and to surrounding jurisdictions.

12. 2005

    First full-time Fire Chief

    A member since 1978 and volunteer Fire Chief since 1997, David Sutherlin is appointed as the first full-time Fire Chief of Buck Creek Township Fire Department. He will oversee the addition of numerous career firefighters, continued development of the ALS program, a new modern firehouse, and rapid growth across the Mount Comfort area. Members also deploy to assist in Hurricane Katrina recovery in New Orleans — the start of the department's participation in the FEMA asset program.

    

    

    

13. 2008

    First aerial apparatus

    The department acquires its first aerial apparatus in a deal reached with the Indianapolis International Airport Fire Department.

    

14. 2009

    A modern firehouse

    Station 1 relocates from Station Way to a new location adjacent to the Indianapolis Regional Airport on Airport Boulevard. The modern firehouse features eight apparatus bays, administrative offices, a workout room, commercial kitchen, living quarters, and a training room.

    

15. 2011

    Castleton VFD joins Buck Creek

    More than two dozen members of the Castleton Volunteer Fire Department — a subsidiary of Lawrence Township Fire Department in Indianapolis — join Buck Creek Township after CVFD is dissolved in the LTFD/IFD merger. They bring decades of firefighting and EMS experience along with additional apparatus.

    

16. 2026

    Chief Ebbert takes command

    Andy Ebbert becomes the department's third full-time Fire Chief. After serving nearly two years as Fire Marshal for the Buck Creek Township Fire Department, Andy Ebbert is honored to step into the role of Fire Chief. His career in the fire service spans more than three decades, marked by a commitment to leadership, public safety, and service to his community. Before joining Buck Creek Township, Andy retired from the Fishers Fire Department in 2024 after 25 years of service. During his career there, he served as a Firefighter/EMT and Lieutenant, gaining extensive experience in emergency response, training, and leadership. Andy has also been a dedicated member of the Shirley Volunteer Fire Department since 1992. Throughout his years of service, he has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as Fire Chief for 20 years. The fire service is truly a family tradition for Andy. He and his brother followed in their father's footsteps by becoming firefighter/EMTs, and today both of his daughters proudly serve with the Shirley Volunteer Fire Department. Andy holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science and has earned numerous professional certifications, including: Fire Officer II Fire Investigator l Fire Inspector |I Fire Instructor II and lIl Driver Operator - Pumper, Aerial, and Mobile Water Supply TECHNICIAN LEVEL: Emergency Medical Rope Rescue Confined Space Rescue Trench Rescue Vehicle and Machinery Rescue Hazardous Materials Swift Water Rescue X 102 of 126 •.. Andy holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science and has earned numerous professional certifications, including: Fire Officer I| Fire Investigator l Fire Inspector I| Fire Instructor II and III Driver Operator - Pumper, Aerial, and Mobile Water Supply TECHNICIAN LEVEL: These qualifications, combined with decades of hands-on experience, provide a strong foundation as he leads the Buck Creek Township Fire Department into the future. Outside of the firehouse, Andy enjoys spending time with his wife of 30 years, Shantelle, their two daughters, son-in-law, granddaughter, and growing family, including the anticipation of welcoming an additional granddaughter. He also values time with both his in-laws and "out-laws." Andy serves as an elder at the Greenfield Church of Christ and enjoys giving back to the Town of Shirley through various community projects. In his free time, he enjoys restoring old cars, camping, and traveling.With a lifelong dedication to the fire service and a passion for serving others, Chief Ebbert is committed to leading the department with integrity, professionalism, and a focus on protecting the Buck Creek Township community. Aebbert@buckcreektownship.in.gov

    • Added 12 career firefighter positions
    • Approved planning and construction of a new fire engine and the department's first custom ladder truck
    • Hired the first dedicated Fire Marshal for Buck Creek Township
    • Oversaw continued commercial and residential development in the response area
    • Hired the first Training Chief for the department

    

    

    

17. 2024

    Largest recruit class

    A group of new career firefighters completes recruit class with eight graduates.

18. 2025

    First full-time Fire Marshal

    Erik Pullum Epullum@buckcreektownship.in.gov

19. 2026

    A new era of training and a custom ladder

    Division Chief of Training Jeffrey Cheshire joins Buck Creek Township with more than 20 years of experience at Speedway Fire Department, becoming the department's first full-time training officer. In June, a brand-new, custom-built Spartan/Smeal ladder truck is delivered — 29 months from concept to delivery. It's the department's third aerial device and first fully custom-designed, featuring a 100-foot aerial with platform. Jcheshire@buckcreektownship.in.gov

    

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