COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) welcomed seven new firefighters on Tuesday morning as Mayor Mary Ferdon swore them in during Tuesday’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting at City Hall. They will fill a portion of current vacancies that followed recent retirements and resignations.
Brandon Farr, 25, is a 2017 graduate of South Decatur High School and has Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications, along with other titles and certifications.
Trae Haley, 21, graduated from Columbus North High School in 2021 and has experience with the German Township and Harrison Township Fire Departments. He is a registered EMT and is Firefighter I and Firefighter II certified.
Tristian Hanna, 25, is a 2017 graduate of North Decatur High School and has been an Indiana Army National Guard firefighter since 2015. He is an EMT and is Firefighter I and Firefighter II certified.
George Hilderbrand III, 31, is a 2011 graduate of the Jacksonville Christian Academy and has served as a firefighter with several agencies. He is an EMT and is Firefighter I and Firefighter II certified.
Wesley Thayer, 35, graduated from Jennings County High School in 2006 and holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Harrison College. He served 11 years with the North Vernon Police and Jennings County Sheriff’s Departments. He has Firefighter I and II certifications.
Dalton Thompson, 31, is a 2011 graduate of Columbus East High School and previously served as a firefighter with Columbus Township Fire and Rescue. He is also Firefighter I and Firefighter II certified.
Cameron Ziegler, 23, is a 2019 graduate of Columbus North High School and his training includes Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certifications.
All firefighters undergo a department orientation and training program, plus obtain all necessary certifications. After all training requirements, each will receive a station and shift assignments.