Batesville, In. — Fire Chief Todd Schutte is pleased to announce Batesville Fire & Rescue has hired two new full-time firefighter/EMT’s.
Donovan Imel, 23, is a 2014 Waldron High School graduate and has worked as a part-time EMT for Batesville Fire & Rescue since July 2015. Imel has also served on Ripley County EMS.
“It is a dream come true for me to say that I am now a career fireman,” said Imel.
Gary Hardin III, 23, will continue his family’s legacy as a third-generation firefighter. The 2013 Franklin County High School graduate has served on Sunman Rural Fire Department for five years. Hardin has also worked for Rescue 69, Ripley County EMS and Rescue 20.
“My father and grandfather have both been firefighters, so I’ve been involved in the fire service my whole life,” explained Hardin. “I remember going to fires when I was a young kid and honestly there is nothing else I would rather do.”
Both firefighters successfully completed an extensive hiring process and have the necessary Firefighter II and EMT-B certifications.
