Darlington Fire Department

09/01/2026

Help us throw some well-deserved congratulations to two of our own who have been putting in serious hard work behind the scenes!

​Training in the fire service isn't just about showing up, it’s late nights, endless study sessions, and constantly pushing to be better when someone calls for help. Dustin Gardner and Regina Dodds have been doing exactly that, all while working full time and still responding to calls in our area. Their dedication is paying off in a big way.

​🔥 Dustin Gardner just officially knocked out his Hazmat Awareness and Hazmat Operations certifications. He isn't slowing down for a second either. Dustin jumps right into the Firefighter 1 portion of his training starting this week. We're proud of the effort you're putting in, Dustin. Keep that momentum going!

​🔥 Regina Dodds, who also serves full time with the Eli-Lilly Fire Department over in Boone County, has been on an absolute roll with her certifications. She just wrapped up an incredible list of achievements:
- Hazmat Awareness, Operations, & Technician

-​ Firefighter 1

- Driver Operator – General, Pumper, & Aerial

📖​That is a mountain of coursework, practical testing, and hours logged behind the wheel and on the training grounds. Having that depth of technical knowledge on our team is huge for our department.

⚕️Both Dustin and Regina have been serving as EMTs with the department, and they’ve never stopped pushing themselves to learn more and do more. That kind of drive is what makes them such incredible assets to our department and to everyone living in our area.

🚒​ Interested in joining the team?
If you live in Darlington, Franklin Township, Sugar Creek Township, or within 3 miles outside of the township lines and want to help serve your community, there is always a spot for you at the station. It takes all kinds of skill sets and backgrounds to keep a department running, and we'd love to have you. ​Drop us a direct message for more information, or check out the pinned flyer at the top of our page to learn how to get started!

​Congrats again, Dustin and Regina, we're proud of the hard work and dedication you've put in, to better serve your community! 🚒🔥

08/09/2026

We want to take a quick minute to send a massive thank you to the crew at French’s Plumbing LLC!

Chief 21, Mike Smith, is pictured below with a brand new 1/2" Milwaukee drill that they generously donated to the department. To most folks, it might just look like a standard power tool, but for us, it is a vital piece of life saving gear.

​This drill is the very first step in helping us add a grain rescue auger to our equipment. When we respond to a grain bin entrapment, every second counts. This drill will be used to power an auger, working hand in hand with our rescue tube to rapidly and safely clear grain away from someone who is trapped. In an agricultural community like ours, having this capability ready to go means everything.

​We truly couldn't do what we do without the backing of our local businesses. Please join us in thanking French's Plumbing LLC for stepping up and having our backs!
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08/09/2026

Last Saturday, your volunteers dedicated their day to practicing vehicle extraction techniques. These skills are crucial for quickly removing a patient from a damaged vehicle when time is of the essence.

We extend a huge thank you to Wilson's 24hr Towing for donating the vehicles. They also delivered them and picked them up afterward! We wouldn't be able to conduct this kind of training without the support of local businesses like theirs!

08/09/2026

Do you want to give back to your community, but aren't sure how? This is a great way to help your neighbors on their worst day and make a direct impact in your community.

We serve Franklin township, Sugar Creek township, and The Town of Darlington.

Feel free to send us a message if you have any additional questions!

07/18/2026

With permission from the family, it is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of Kevin McHargue, with the Walnut Township Fire Department.

​Kevin was, first and foremost, a deeply devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his absolute pride and joy, and our thoughts and most sincere prayers are with them during this unimaginably difficult time.

​To the local fire service, Kevin was a steadfast brother and a mentor. For 30 years, he dedicated his life to answering the call, serving selflessly with both the Advance Fire Department in Boone county and the Walnut Township Fire Department in New Ross.

For three decades, nearly half of his life, he dedicated himself to serving his community. This remarkable legacy of bravery and public service will never be forgotten.

Beyond the turnout gear, anyone who had the privilege of knowing Kevin knew the true size of his heart and the passion he carried with everything he was involved in. He was the kind of man who would drop everything to help someone in need at a moment’s notice, never asking for a single thing in return. His selflessness left a permanent mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

​Rest easy, Kevin. Your unwavering dedication to your family and your community will always be remembered.
We have the watch from here.

07/01/2026

🌡️☀️Summer is throwing a full blown tantrum over Montgomery County right now, and it’s refusing to pack its bags anytime soon. This Extreme Heat Warning has officially set up camp in Darlington until at least 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 2, bringing a suffocating, heavy attitude with it.

It's the kind of heat that slaps you in the face the second you step outside, dragging a miserable 90+ degree heat index along for the ride. If you have to be out working in it, don't try to out stubborn this weather, it fights dirty. Here is how to handle its bad behavior:

💧​Hydrate constantly: Water is your best defense against the sun's relentless bullying. Don't wait until you're thirsty.

🛑​Force a timeout: Step into the AC and let the heat cool its temper before you head back out into the thick of it.

✅​Check the vulnerable: This weather preys on those who can't fight back, especially the elderly, kids, and pets. Make sure your neighbors are holding up against the assault.

​Stay safe out there, Darlington. We're always ready if you need us, but the best rescue is the one we don't have to make.

07/01/2026

🚨 Dangerous heat reminder 🚨

There is an Extreme Risk for dangerous heat related illnesses through Friday. Afternoon heat indices will peak between 105 and 110+ degrees through Thursday. Take precautions if planning outdoor activities this holiday week.