Committed to protecting our community through service, preparedness, and professionalism.
The mission of the Buck Creek Township Fire Department is to serve the residents and visitors of Buck Creek Township by providing the most effective and professional protection possible from the hazards created by both man and nature.
Buck Creek Township Fire Department serves the residents and properties of Buck Creek Township and supports neighboring agencies through mutual aid when needed. Our department is dedicated to maintaining a high level of readiness, training, and community trust.
Whether responding to emergencies or participating in community outreach, our focus is always on dependable service and public safety.
The cornerstone of fire service character, embodying honesty, accountability, and moral courage in every action we take. Integrity means upholding the sacred traditions of the fire service while being truthful with our community, reliable to our brothers and sisters, and steadfast in our commitment to do what is right, even when facing the most challenging hazards that threaten Buck Creek Township.
The pursuit of continuous improvement in fulfilling the mission's goal of providing the "most effective and professional protection possible." It goes beyond simply meeting standards by encouraging a culture of high performance and a dedication to honing skills and refining response strategies. This value drives the department to not only address present hazards but also to anticipate future challenges, ensuring the community receives a level of service that is second to none.
Carrying forward the noble legacy of the fire service while earning the respect and trust of those we serve. Honor means living up to the proud traditions of courage, sacrifice, and service that define our calling, representing not just ourselves but the entire fire service family, and ensuring our actions reflect the dignity and respect that Buck Creek Township residents place in us during their most vulnerable moments.
The unwavering resolve to fulfill our duty to Buck Creek Township, demonstrated through consistent action rather than mere words. Commitment means showing up prepared, dedicating ourselves to rigorous training and readiness, and making the personal sacrifices necessary to ensure our community receives reliable, professional protection from all hazards, because lives depend on our devotion and our promise to serve.
The empathetic approach that ensures our protection services address both physical safety and emotional well-being. While the mission focuses on protection from hazards, many calls involve individuals in distress, and a compassionate approach is vital. This value ensures that every interaction with a resident or visitor is handled with empathy and respect, providing comfort and care in moments of vulnerability and reinforcing the department's commitment to serving the community on a personal level.
Founded
1952
Department Type
Career + Part-Time
Personnel
34 Full-Time, 30+ Part-Time
Stations
2
Service Area
Buck Creek Township and surrounding mutual aid areas
Buck Creek Township Fire Department is led by dedicated professionals committed to operational excellence and community service.
Fire Chief
A lifelong resident of Shirley and a graduate of Eastern Hancock High School, Chief Ebbert is deeply dedicated to serving his community. He began his firefighting career as a volunteer with the Shirley Fire Department in 1992, where he served as Fire Chief for 20 years. Additionally, Chief Ebbert earned an associate degree in public safety from Ivy Tech Community College. He also spent 25 years with the Fishers Fire Department, where he served as a Lieutenant for eight years and was a member of the Fishers Rescue Task Force and Honor Guard. “For the last 32 years, I have been privileged to serve as a first responder in several different roles. I look forward to the opportunity to focus on fire prevention and safety issues. The Township has seen significant growth in recent years, and I am honored to serve with the men and women of the Buck Creek Township Fire Department,” said Chief Ebbert.
Assistant Chief
Supporting department operations, training, and readiness across our service area.
Division Chief of Training
Chief Cheshire joins us after more than two decades of service with the Speedway Fire Department, where he most recently served as the A-Shift Battalion Chief. Additionally, Chief Cheshire served as program director at the Emergency Services Education Center on the west side of Indianapolis. We are excited to have Chief Cheshire in this role and look forward to his contributions and enhancement of our current training programs. His many years of experience and dedication to education in the fire service undoubtedly make him an outstanding addition to our growing team.
Fire Marshal & Division Chief
Erik Pullum has been working in the Fire Prevention field for 13 years. He began his career with the Indianapolis Fire Department as a Deputy Fire Marshal and also served as an inspector with Indianapolis Building and Neighborhood Services. Erik went on to serve as a Deputy Section Chief with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and as the Building Commissioner for the Town of McCordsville. Throughout his career, he has developed a strong passion for fire investigations and fire prevention. Outside of work, Erik enjoys spending time with his three children, Faith, Keith, and Josh.
From a community meeting in 1951 to a fully career department today — the story of Buck Creek Township Fire Department.
Late 1940s
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.
1951
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.
1952
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.
1953
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.
Mid 1950s
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.
1967
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.
1974
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.
1993
The department hires its first full-time firefighter, providing regular coverage to the Township during business hours.
1994
Fire Station 2 opens on West County Road 100 North, one-half mile west of Mount Comfort Road.
1997
A pair of twin 1997 pumpers are delivered to the department, manufactured by Smeal Fire Apparatus in Snyder, Nebraska.
2000
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.
2005
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.
2008
The department acquires its first aerial apparatus in a deal reached with the Indianapolis International Airport Fire Department.
2009
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.
2011
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.
2024
A group of new career firefighters completes recruit class with eight graduates.
2025
Andy Ebbert began as our first full-time Fire Marshal.
2026
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
2026
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
We understand that public trust is earned through consistent service, accountability, and preparedness. Our department is committed to ongoing training, strong teamwork, and serving Buck Creek Township with honor.
