On Aug. 9, Linton Fire Department Chief Eric Carpenter was recognized by the Indiana Fire and Public Safety Academy for completing the Fire Chief Executive Training Program.

This intense and newly established program is mandatory for all new fire chiefs within their first year and spans approximately 45 hours over one week at the state’s main training facility in Plainfield, Indiana.

The Fire Chief Executive Training Program provides certificates in Executive Training, Administration Issues, and Contemporary Issues, among others. The program covers a broad range of essential topics, including grant writing, budgeting, communications, body language, and public speaking. Chief Carpenter's class was the seventh cohort, with 42 accepted participants out of 60 applicants, making it one of the largest groups the program has hosted. The training not only provided a comprehensive introduction to the various challenges fire chiefs face, but also fostered a network of professionals who can support one another through similar experiences.

"The course was packed full of information," Chief Carpenter shared, reflecting on the experience. "One thing the class tried to instill in us was to not be afraid to reach out to each other and bounce ideas, policies, and procedures off one another. Almost any issue that a fire chief or a department is going through, there’s probably another chief or department out there that’s already gone through something similar."

Carpenter has been with the Linton Fire Department for 23 years, serving in roles such as secretary, treasurer, president, and captain before being appointed interim fire chief this past March. Reflecting on his time with the LFD, Carpenter highlighted both the rewards and the challenges. "To be able to help and comfort a person when they are faced with some of their most tragic and stressful times is incredibly rewarding. One big challenge is trying to get the best equipment I can for my fellow firefighters so that they can provide the best service possible to the citizens we protect."

Despite these challenges, the Linton Fire Department has seen significant advancements under Carpenter's leadership, including the acquisition of a new state-of-the-art training facility from the state of Indiana and a FEMA AFG Grant of $68,000 for a new exhaust system and gear washer for the station.

Chief Carpenter noted that completing the course provided him with a great sense of accomplishment and a strong foundation for addressing the challenges of leading a modern fire department. Looking ahead, Chief Carpenter believes the training will enhance his effectiveness as a leader, with a focus on protecting and educating the community. “The Linton Fire Department is committed to protecting and educating the people and the property within our community. We will be responsive to the needs of our citizens by providing rapid, professional, humanitarian services essential to health and safety and the well-being of our community," he stated.

Chief Carpenter expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career. "I would like to thank all the guys I have worked for or with in the past who helped educate and train me to prepare me to lead this great fire department."

Carpenter’s completion of the Fire Chief Executive Training Program marks a significant milestone in his career, allowing him the knowledge and connections necessary to continue advancing the Linton Fire Department and serving the community.