30-04-2025
EDITORIAL: Fire Academy shaping tomorrow's heroes
If you're looking for a heartwarming local story, the RedHawk Fire Academy is the place to start. Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty recently celebrated this innovative program during her State of the City address, praising its dedication to training tomorrow's firefighters and first responders.
Since opening in 2024, the academy has generated tremendous interest. Those who complete the full program earn an associate's degree from Ivy Tech Community College and step right into careers with the Goshen Fire Department. For many high school juniors and seniors who aren't planning on a traditional college route, this hands-on training offers a direct path to a rewarding, well-paying career. Moreover, the program builds a strong local talent pipeline for the future leadership of the fire department.
Partnered with Goshen Community Schools, the academy immerses students in practical training that goes far beyond classroom lectures. They learn essential skills, from safely operating chainsaws and navigating ladder work to handling firehoses under high-pressure conditions. Students even gain insights into modern firefighting tactics that enhance safety and efficiency on the front lines. They learn the skills that modern firefighters rely on to combat emergencies with precision and speed — innovations that are reshaping the future of the fire service. One participant summed it up perfectly: 'This kind of hands-on learning is better than learning from a computer. It's so helpful to see exactly what this work looks like.'
ADDING ANOTHER LAYER of inspiration, the academy is housed in the historic Chandler School building. Once known as Madison Street Elementary, the original structure burned down and was rebuilt by a determined community that, in 1948, renamed the school in honor of Emma Chandler. Now, at this very site where tragedy once struck, Goshen students are learning firsthand what it means to be a hero. The training goes beyond technical skills — it instills the very values of service and commitment found in the Firefighter's Pledge, which calls for concern for others, unwavering courage, and a heart strong enough to carry any burden.
Even if every student does not choose a career as a firefighter or EMT, they gain invaluable lessons in teamwork, resilience and service that will serve them well throughout life. Division Chief of Instruction Travis Peak leads the program with enthusiasm, noting, 'Even if they don't decide to pursue the training as a career, they'll gain a lot of positive experiences from this program.'
The RedHawk Fire Academy is more than a training center — it's a community initiative that empowers youth, nurtures local pride, and demonstrates that true heroism begins with service. Interested in learning more about how modern firefighting technology and techniques are reshaping emergency response? Stay tuned for more insights into this forward-thinking program and the future heroes emerging from Goshen.
