Hancock County Firefighters Local 4787

09/22/2026

Hancock County Firefighters local 4787 join our Brothers and Sisters of the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana and the International Association of Fire Fighters in mourning the passing of PFFUI President Emeritus Tom Miller.

The Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana mourns the passing of our President Emeritus, Brother Tom Miller, whose lifetime of service and leadership helped shape the fire service, organized labor, and the lives of countless fire fighters across Indiana and North America.

Tom's service began in 1964 when he joined the United States Navy. After serving two tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Tioga County, he returned home to Indianapolis, where he joined the Indianapolis Fire Department in 1968. A proud member of Indianapolis Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 416, he served as trustee and vice president before taking on leadership roles that would ultimately influence the fire service across Indiana and North America. Tom served as President of the PFFUI from 1978 to 2002, leading our organization through decades of growth and progress while steadfastly advocating for the rights, benefits, and safety of professional fire fighters. His influence extended far beyond Indiana, through his service as IAFF 8th District Vice President and later as General Secretary-Treasurer of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Tom's commitment to the fire service was deeply personal. After losing his father, an Indianapolis firefighter, in the line of duty when he was just nine years old, he dedicated his life to serving others. Throughout his career, Tom was a tireless advocate for active and retired fire fighters, particularly on pensions and benefits. His work on behalf of Indiana's public safety professionals leaves a legacy that will continue to benefit generations of fire fighters and their families.

While Tom's accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew him best will remember his sense of humor, his unwavering loyalty, and his willingness to help anyone in need. In his own words, he simply wanted to be remembered as someone who liked to help people. Few individuals have lived that principle more fully.

The PFFUI extends its deepest condolences to his wife Barb, their children, the members of Indianapolis Local 416, and all who were fortunate enough to know and work alongside Tom.

His legacy lives on in the strength of our union, the protections secured for fire fighters, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey of service.

Rest in peace, Brother Miller.

The PFFUI will share information regarding visitation and funeral services as soon as arrangements are finalized.

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we recognize the strength, resilience, and dedication of American workers.

Across Indiana, our fire fighters, EMTs, paramedics, and 911 Telecommunicators stand shoulder to shoulder every day, answering the call and protecting their communities with courage and compassion.

Their commitment to serving others represents the true spirit of labor: strength in service and unity in purpose.

Happy Labor Day to all who work hard to make our communities stronger.

08/20/2026

🩸🚒 Help Us Celebrate One Year of Whole Blood at Vernon Township Fire Department! 🚒🩸

One year ago, Vernon Township Fire Department placed our first unit of low-titer O whole blood into service. Since then, we’ve been proud to provide this lifesaving resource to the residents of Vernon Township, Hancock County, and our neighboring agencies whenever it’s needed for patients suffering from severe hemorrhagic shock.

In just one year, VTFD has transfused 11 units of whole blood to 10 patients.

Those patients have included new mothers experiencing life-threatening bleeding, victims of severe traumatic injuries, and patients suffering from critical medical hemorrhages. Every unit of blood has represented a chance to bring critical care to the patient at bedside. Without question, this program has helped people return home to the ones who love them.

As proud as we are of what this program has accomplished, we can’t do it without you.

The American Red Cross is currently reporting a critical shortage of blood products, and every donation has the potential to save multiple lives.

That’s why we’re inviting the Vernon Township community to celebrate this milestone with us by donating blood at our One-Year Anniversary Blood Drive!

📅 Friday, August 21
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Vernon Township Fire Department Headquarters Training Room
602 Vitality Drive
Fortville, IN

Whether you’ve donated dozens of times or this would be your very first donation, we’d love to see you there. Join us as we celebrate one year of bringing blood directly to the bedside—and help ensure this lifesaving resource is available for the next patient who desperately needs it.

❤️ Give blood. Save lives. Celebrate one year of making a difference together.
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08/20/2026

Come to give blood or platelets Aug. 1-31 for a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email! See details.

08/15/2026

East Central Indiana was hit hard this week and the rain continues to fall.

Historic flooding has left homes, neighborhoods, and roadways underwater throughout our region. Families who were safe and comfortable just days ago are now facing damaged homes, ruined belongings, and a long road toward recovery.

IAFF Local 4787 is asking our community to come together and help our neighbors.

We are currently accepting donations of:

• Cases of bottled water
• Non-perishable food items
• Large trash bags
• Cleaning supplies

Donations can be dropped off at:

🚒 Sugar Creek Township Fire Department — Stations 442 & 445
🚒 Buck Creek Township Fire Department — Station 471
🚒 Greenfield Fire Territory — Stations 421 & 422
🚒 Vernon Township Fire Department — Stations 431 & 432
🚒 Wilkinson Fire Department — Station 491

Our firefighters have spent this week doing what we always do when our communities need us — showing up. Now we’re asking all of Hancock County to help us continue that work for the families dealing with what comes after the water goes down.

A case of water. A box of food. Cleaning supplies. Trash bags.

It may seem small, but when an entire community steps up, it adds up quickly.

08/15/2026

With the flooding of Central Indiana this week, many departments across the region have expended resources to assist departments in need. Local 4787 had crews from Greenfield Fire Territory respond to New Castle, IN and crews from Greenfield and Buck Creek Township respond for stand by in Milton (Wayne Co), IN.
Great work by our crews this week and our thoughts are with those affected by these flooding events.

07/27/2026

Golf Outing Registration Link. Please us the link to register for the Golf Outing on September 18, 2026.

07/15/2026

IAFF Local 4787 President Chris Colip had the opportunity to speak with the newest members of the Hancock County Joint Fire Academy, welcoming 10 recruits from Greenfield Fire Territory and Buck Creek Township Fire Department as they begin their fire service careers.

President Colip spoke about the importance of professionalism, brotherhood and sisterhood, serving the community with pride, and the role the IAFF plays in protecting firefighters both on and off the job. As these recruits take their first steps into the fire service, they are joining a profession built on sacrifice, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to those we serve.

Local 4787 is proud to support the next generation of firefighters and wishes these recruits success throughout the academy and beyond.

06/29/2026

Three members of IAFF Local 4787 spent this week representing our local at the Indiana Fire Fighter Honor Guard School in Indianapolis.

President Chris Colip (Buck Creek Township Fire Department) and Sugar Creek Township Firefighters Caleb Pyle and Austin Pope joined firefighters from across Indiana for a week of intensive Honor Guard training hosted by the Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana and the Indianapolis Fire Department.

Honor Guard members carry one of the greatest responsibilities in the fire service, standing beside the families of our brothers and sisters on their hardest days. The training focused on the discipline, attention to detail, and traditions that ensure every firefighter receives the honors they have earned.

The week concluded with a simulated line-of-duty funeral, allowing participants to put their skills into practice in a realistic and meaningful setting. The involvement of Tammy Hayden, widow of fallen Decatur Township Lieutenant Tracy Hayden, served as a powerful reminder that Honor Guard is about more than ceremony. It is about honoring a life of service and supporting the families left behind.

Local 4787 is proud of Chris, Caleb, and Austin for representing our membership and for their commitment to preserving the traditions and values of the fire service.

L4787 is a proud Local of Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana and International Association of Fire Fighters.

06/21/2026