Richmond fire chief wins state's top honor

Richmond Fire Chief Jerry Purcell doesn't need the awards and accolades that come with doing his job well. The way he sees it, if you're doing what you set out to do, you just don't need them.

But despite his efforts to personally stay out of the spotlight, Purcell last month was recognized as the Indiana Fire Chief of the Year at the state's Emergency Response Conference in Indianapolis.

"It was really a humbling feeling to be not only nominated, but ultimately selected, for this award," he said Friday. "It really is a team effort to do the good our department strives toward, so I consider this a recognition of all our staff, too."

The selection process for the award is anonymous and is based on an individual's service to the department, as well as community service and experiences. An impartial panel selects the most qualified, well-rounded candidate for the award.

In a statement, Mayor Dave Snow said he is proud of Purcell's dedication to Richmond and continuing to improve its fire department.

"I am proud that he has chosen to help make (this) an even better place for our citizens, business owners and visitors, and it's no surprise to me that he has received this long-deserved recognition," Snow said.

Purcell has been part of the Richmond Fire Department since 1984 and was appointed chief in 2014. He said his main goal since taking over the post is to help continue to move the department forward. He recently was appointed to the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association board.

Purcell was praised in his nomination for his efforts to grow the department's reach and improve existing facilities and personnel.

"We have a lot of fantastic things going for us, and we have big plans," he said. "The department aims to be a community asset, and I think that's really what we are."

Purcell said the department in the past few years has invested in bringing in new ambulatory services and has improved existing services. The department also offers training classes at Richmond High School for juniors and seniors.

The focus now is on improving RFD's training center, which Purcell said will be a hub for much of Wayne County, once complete.

The department also is working to become an ISO Class 2 city in the Public Protection Classification, which would put RFD in the top 2  percent of fire departments in the United States, he said.

"It's about making sure our residents are getting the best services possible," Purcell said. "That's the focus of all the things we are trying to do."

Purcell said the classification change — Richmond currently is a Class 3 city — would increase prestige but more importantly could help lower the costs of homeowners insurance for residents. Many insurance companies use the rating to determine premiums for homeowners.

"This isn't just 'my' fire department," he said. "This is our fire department. It belongs to our city, and we want to do everything we can to help the people we are supposed to help."

To reach Palladium-Item business reporter Mickey Shuey, call (765) 973-4472. You can follow him on Twitter via @MickeyShueyPI.