Crawfordsville Fire Department

Crawfordsville Fire Department The Crawfordsville Fire Department provides Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services to the City of Crawfordsville and Montgomery County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE​​​​​​​ ​ June 16, 2026Crawfordsville Fire Department Responds to Residential Structure an...
06/17/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE​​​​​​​
​
June 16, 2026

Crawfordsville Fire Department Responds to Residential Structure and Rescues Family Pet

CRAWFORDSVILLE (June 16, 2026) – On June 16, 2026, at 6:46PM the Crawfordsville Fire Department responded to a reported residential structure fire at 1104 E. Market Street.

Upon arrival, crews observed light smoke coming from the exterior of the home. Firefighters entered the residence and encountered heavy smoke throughout the structure, with visibility reduced to near zero. Crews quickly located the fire, brought it under control, and conducted a primary search of the residence.

During the search, firefighters located a cat in the rear of the home and safely removed it from the structure. EMS personnel immediately provided airway support and resuscitation efforts. The cat responded to treatment and survived the incident.

The fire was determined to be accidental and originated in the kitchen after unattended items were left on the stove.

No civilians or firefighters were injured.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department thanks the Crawfordsville Police Department for assisting with traffic control and scene safety.

This incident serves as an important reminder to remain attentive while cooking and to ensure smoke alarms are properly installed and function throughout your home. Working smoke alarms provide critical early warnings and can save lives.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department is proud of the quick actions of its firefighters, EMS personnel, and public safety partners, whose coordinated efforts helped limit property damage and resulted in the successful rescue of a family pet.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2026Crawfordsville Fire Department Responds to Fire at Lakeside Book CompanyCRAWFORDSVIL...
06/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2026

Crawfordsville Fire Department Responds to Fire at Lakeside Book Company

CRAWFORDSVILLE (June 11, 2026) – On June 10, 2026, at approximately 7:21 p.m., the Crawfordsville Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire at Lakeside Book Company located on State Road 32.

Upon arrival, fire crews were directed to a fire in the facility's baler room. Employees had successfully extinguished the majority of the fire within the baler prior to the department's arrival; however, they reported that fire remained within the building's collection system.

Firefighters initiated operations on two fronts. One crew entered the baler room to complete extinguishment efforts, while additional personnel deployed the department's ladder trucks to access and address fire within the rooftop collection system.

The fire was brought under control quickly. Due to the complexity of the rooftop collection system, crews conducted extensive overhaul operations to ensure complete extinguishment and prevent rekindling. Fire personnel remained on scene until approximately 11:00 p.m.

No structural damage to the Lakeside Book Company facility was identified, and no injuries to employees or firefighters were reported as a result of the incident.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department was assisted by the Montgomery County Central Communications Center, Crawfordsville Police Department, and the Lakeside Book Company maintenance team.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department would like to commend Lakeside employees for their quick actions in containing the fire prior to emergency responders' arrival.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2026Crawfordsville Fire Department Responds to Sugar Creek Water RescueCRAWFORDSVILLE (J...
06/11/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2026

Crawfordsville Fire Department Responds to Sugar Creek Water Rescue

CRAWFORDSVILLE (June 11, 2026) – On June 10, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the Crawfordsville Fire Department was dispatched to Sugar Creek for a reported water rescue. A resident living along the creek reported witnessing two kayaks capsize, leaving two individuals in the water.

Rescue operations were initiated with personnel positioned at both the Rock River Ridge Road creek access point and the Yountsville Bridge. Fire Department water rescue crews launched rescue watercraft from the Yountsville access and traveled upstream to search for individuals who may have been in distress.

The two kayakers initially observed capsizing were able to safely self-rescue before reaching the Rock River Ridge access point. Upon making contact with responders, they reported that eight additional members of their group were farther downstream and potentially in need of assistance.

During the search, water rescue personnel located one individual trapped in a strainer and quickly conducted a successful rescue. The individual was transported to the Yountsville access point for evaluation. A second person was also assisted by rescue crews on the water.

It was later determined that a total of nine individuals had been kayaking on Sugar Creek. Aside from the two people assisted by rescue personnel, the remaining members of the group were able to safely exit the water without further intervention.

All individuals involved, as well as rescue personnel, were accounted for and safely off the water by approximately 4:45 p.m.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department was assisted by the Montgomery County Central Communications Center, Crawfordsville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers, and area residents who provided valuable access and information during the incident.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department reminds all recreational users of Sugar Creek and other waterways to wear properly fitted life jackets, monitor water conditions, and use caution around natural hazards such as strainers, which can pose significant dangers even to experienced paddlers.

Today, Crawfordsville Fire Department recruits successfully completed six live-fire burns as part of their Firefighter I...
06/06/2026

Today, Crawfordsville Fire Department recruits successfully completed six live-fire burns as part of their Firefighter I & II training.

These evolutions provided valuable hands-on experience in fire behavior, search and rescue, hose deployment, fire attack, ventilation, and teamwork under realistic conditions. The recruits demonstrated dedication, determination, and professionalism throughout each evolution.

We are proud of the hard work and commitment shown by each recruit as they continue preparing to serve and protect our community. Thank you to the instructors who made this training possible.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department would like to congratulate Firefighters Gary Villines and Dave McCartney on successfu...
06/04/2026

The Crawfordsville Fire Department would like to congratulate Firefighters Gary Villines and Dave McCartney on successfully completing the Indiana Smoke Divers Search and Rescue Class last weekend.

The Indiana Smoke Divers program is one of the most physically and mentally demanding firefighter training courses in the state, focusing on advanced search and rescue techniques, firefighter survival, teamwork, and operating in challenging conditions. Completion of this course demonstrates an exceptional commitment to professional development and service to our community.

We are proud of Gary and Dave for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance throughout this rigorous training. Their accomplishments help strengthen our department and enhance our ability to serve and protect the citizens of Crawfordsville.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department would like to extend a sincere thank you to IDHS instructors for traveling to our dep...
05/30/2026

The Crawfordsville Fire Department would like to extend a sincere thank you to IDHS instructors for traveling to our department and providing an outstanding Fire Dynamics class.

This training gave our firefighters valuable insight into modern fire behavior, fire growth, ventilation, and the critical factors that influence fireground operations. Continuing education and hands-on learning opportunities like this help ensure our personnel remain prepared to serve our community safely and effectively.

We appreciate the time, knowledge, and professionalism these IDHS instructors brought to our department. Thank you for your commitment to firefighter training and safety.

Today, we honor and remember Inspector Joe Mitton, proudly known as 5-26 within the Crawfordsville Fire Department.Joe’s...
05/26/2026

Today, we honor and remember Inspector Joe Mitton, proudly known as 5-26 within the Crawfordsville Fire Department.

Joe’s dedication, leadership, and service to this department and the Crawfordsville community will never be forgotten. His sacrifice in the line of duty and the legacy he left behind continue to inspire generations of firefighters who wear the badge today.

As we remember 5-26, we also remember the brotherhood, commitment, and selfless service that defined Inspector Mitton’s career.

End of watch never means end of remembrance!

As we close out EMS Week, the Crawfordsville Fire Department and Chief Busenbark would like to recognize several members...
05/22/2026

As we close out EMS Week, the Crawfordsville Fire Department and Chief Busenbark would like to recognize several members of A Shift who recently received Cardiac Arrest Save Commendations for their role in a successful resuscitation effort.

The Cardiac Arrest Save designation recognizes EMS responders who provide high-quality patient care and CPR that results in a cardiac arrest patient being discharged neurologically intact.
We are proud to recognize the following members for their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to serving our community:

Paramedics
• Paramedic FTO Shawnna Forker
• Paramedic Bryant Medina

Firefighters
• FF/Medic Brandan Stadler
• FF/EMT Sam Po***ck
• Firefighter Rylan Huckstep
• Firefighter David McCartney

These saves are never the result of one individual, but rather the combined effort of highly trained professionals working together under pressure to provide exceptional care when seconds matter most.

Thank you to all of our EMS professionals for the commitment, compassion, and lifesaving service you provide to the Crawfordsville community every day.

During EMS Week, we are proud to recognize Lt. Mitch McCollum and Part-Time Paramedic/Department Chaplain Jake Lowe, who...
05/21/2026

During EMS Week, we are proud to recognize Lt. Mitch McCollum and Part-Time Paramedic/Department Chaplain Jake Lowe, who were recently presented with Cardiac Arrest Save Commendations by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security after being nominated by Fire Chief Scott Busenbark and Deputy Chief Paul Miller in February.

The Cardiac Arrest Save designation recognizes EMS responders and bystanders who provide high-quality CPR that results in the successful resuscitation and neurologically intact discharge of a cardiac arrest patient.

This recognition reflects the dedication, professionalism, and lifesaving commitment demonstrated by both Lt. McCollum and Chaplain Lowe. The Crawfordsville Fire Department is proud to have them serving our community and representing the very best of emergency medical care.

The Crawfordsville Fire Department has a longstanding tradition of excellence, leadership, and innovation in emergency m...
05/20/2026

The Crawfordsville Fire Department has a longstanding tradition of excellence, leadership, and innovation in emergency medical services. This legacy is sustained by dedicated providers who demonstrate servant leadership on every call, every day. While we are fortunate to have many outstanding individuals including field training officers, SWAT team members, fire officers who work countless overtime hours staffing medic units, and committed instructors, we have chosen to nominate a group whose leadership has been especially impactful during a critical time for our organization.
In the unforeseen medical leave of absence of our lead EMS officer, the department’s EMS Committee stepped up to ensure continuity, quality, and forward progress. This team comprised of Paramedic FTO Gracie Graham, Paramedic FTO Jeffery Lawley Jr. M.B.A., and Paramedic FTO Seth Green, B.S., has demonstrated exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication well beyond their normal duties.

Gracie Graham leads our highly successful high school EMS Career and Technical Education CTE program, mentoring and developing the next generation of EMS professionals. At the same time, she continues her own educational advancement as she completes her bachelor’s degree. Her commitment to both education and mentorship reflect the very best of the EMS profession.

Seth Green, B.S., assumed critical administrative responsibilities within the EMS protocol committee, including oversight of HANDTEVY and leading key protocol advancements. Notably, he has played a vital role in expanding the department’s whole blood delivery program to include both medical and obstetric field use, significantly enhancing patient care capabilities in our community.

Jeffery Lawley Jr., who holds a graduate degree in hospital administration, answered the call when the department faced the sudden absence of the lead instructor for our EMT recruit academy. Jeff stepped into the role and single handedly led and oversaw daily instruction for the program, all while maintaining his regular shift schedule. His ability to ensure the success and continuity of our training pipeline speaks volumes about his dedication and leadership.

These examples represent only a portion of the contributions made by this exceptional team. Each member continues to perform regular duties in a high-volume system while taking on additional responsibilities that directly impact patient care, provider development, and organizational success.
Together, the team embodies the highest standards of EMS professionalism. Leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment make the Crawfordsville Fire Department stronger and serve as a model for EMS providers across Indiana.
For these reasons, we proudly nominate the EMS Committee leadership team for recognition during National EMS Week.

Fraternally,

Fire Chief Scott Busenbark & Deputy Fire Chief Paul Miller

Address

100 S Water Street
Crawfordsville, IN
47933

Telephone

+17653621277

Website

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