One of Greenfield's most noteworthy residents was famed poet James Whitcomb Riley. He was born, and spent his boyhood years, in Greenfield and later described it as "the best home outside of heaven." He wrote over 1000 poems during his distinguished career including "Little Orphan Annie."

Fire Department Services Reach Diverse Populations
The Greenfield Fire Department enjoys a diverse area of service that includes rural, urban, and district settings. The 45 career and 20 volunteer fire fighters provide support for numerous community events. These include the Riley Festival, one of the largest craft festivals in Indiana and a celebration of James Whitcomb Riley's birth, and the Indianapolis Air Show at Mt. Comfort Airport near Greenfield. Each event draws thousands of spectators each year. The department also provides educational services in their community through public safety presentations. Twice a year, the department targets 4th graders with fire safety presentations using their Fire Safety Trailer. The presentations cover Indiana's sometimes unpredictable weather in the spring and then again during Fire Prevention Week in October. In 2005, 700 children were served.

Training Programs Reach All Personnel
The department trains its personnel weekly. One week is reserved for EMS training (1/3 of personnel are paramedics), and one week for fire training. The volunteers are held to the same training standards as the full-time personnel. Currently, the department is developing a $350,000 training facility on land donated by a local corporation. Funds for this project are being raised through grants and corporate donations. "We have a progressive, young department and try to take care of our people," states 7-year chief Lewis McQueen. The chief describes Greenfield as a "doughnut community" which refers to its rapid growth, not a preponderance of pastry shops. In response to the growth, fire department staffing levels have been increased every year.

Chief's Initiatives Have Positive Results
After 30.5 years of service at the Indianapolis Fire Department, McQueen left as pension secretary in 2000 to take the reins as fire chief of Greenfield. He has enjoyed many accomplishments during his 7-year tenure. These include:

• Replacing all of the SCBA's
• Expanding and remodeling a station
• Purchasing exercise equipment for each station
• Establishing SOG's
• Purchasing a 102' aerial platform and fire safety trailer
• Improving the physical evaluation program

Mandatory physicals are performed on-site over a series of 4 days. "A fit fire fighter better serves the community," says the chief. He has been able to observe weight loss in his personnel through the implementation of the program and through allowing on-duty exercise time. He has also been very impressed with their performance. "Greenfield Fire Department does an excellent job of performing their duties. This department gets the job done," he says with pride.

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© 2006 Public Safety Medical Services