Indianapolis Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 416

06/18/2026

Juneteenth information from our Brothers and Sisters of the BFA.

06/17/2026

We wrapped up Day 2 with another outstanding day on the course!

A sincere thank you to all of our incredible sponsors, members, friends, and supporters who joined us and helped make this year’s event such a success. Your continued support means a great deal to us and helps make this event possible year after year.

We’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year, so be sure to mark your calendars. We can’t wait to see everyone back on the course!

06/16/2026

Info for Brother Thomas.

NAME: Nathaniel J. “Nate” Thomas

DOB: 11/27/1991

APPOINTED: 02/22/2021

PASSED AWAY: 06/04/2026

BADGE NUMBER: 979

CALLING: Thursday June 18, 2026 from 1:00PM-3:00PM East 91st Christian Church 6049 East 91st Street Indianapolis, IN 46250

SERVICE: Thursday June 18, 2026 at 3:00PM East 91st Christian Church 6049 East 91st Street Indianapolis, IN 46250

TRIBUTE: Has been assigned to a tribute team member

LAST ASSIGNMENT: Nathaniel J. Thomas was appointed to the Indianapolis Fire Department on 02/22/2021. He enlisted into the Georgia Army National Guard in November 2013 until October 2020, when he transferred to the Indiana Army National Guard. Nate was a member of the Thomasville Fire Rescue in Thomasville Georgia from December 2016 to March 2020. He was first regularly assigned on the Indianapolis Fire Department to Engine 09 A shift on 04/14/2025. Nate was assigned to A Co 2-20th SFG out of Camp Atterbury, as a Special Forces Recruit, attending the “Q” Course at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He completed the United States Army Infantry School Ranger Course in June 2022 and attended Special Forces Selection and Assessment School. Some of his other military accomplishments include (but not limited to): Deployments to Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa, Air Assault School, Mountain Warfare School, Airborne School, and the French Desert Commando Course. Nate also has a long list of military awards, decorations, and foreign badges that include (but not limited to): Meritorious Service Medal (MSM), Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with “C” Device, Army Achievement Medal (AAM) with two bronze oak-leaf clusters, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Campaign Star, NATO Medal, and Norwegian Foot March (Silver Badge) to just name a few.

06/15/2026

A great first day of our golf outing at Eagle Creek. Thank you to all of our sponsors and all of our members that came out and played today. We’re looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

06/08/2026

The Emerald Society Leadership has worked with the Yard Foundation to help with a fundraiser for the Thomas family. if you are able to help out please see the information in the first comment below.

06/08/2026

The officers, executive board, and members of IAFF Local 416 are heartbroken by the sudden loss of our brother, Firefighter Private and Sergeant Nathaniel Thomas.
Brother Thomas embodied a life of service. Whether serving his nation as a Sergeant in the Indiana National Guard or protecting the citizens of Indianapolis as a firefighter assigned to Engine 9 A Shift, he demonstrated the commitment, courage, and selflessness that define both professions. He answered the call to serve wherever he was needed, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
Nathaniel was more than a firefighter and soldier. He was a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and respected member of our fire service family. His loss leaves a void in the lives of those who knew him and throughout our department and union.
On behalf of the nearly 2,500 active and retired members of Local 416, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Morgan, their children Rilynn, Donny, Maggie, Harper, and Wiley, as well as his parents, Donald and Bethanne, his sister Sarah, and all of his family and loved ones.
As firefighters, we often refer to one another as brothers and sisters because the bonds we build through service are unlike any other. Today, we mourn the loss of one of our own. We ask our members and the community to keep the Thomas family, the members of Engine 9, the Indianapolis Fire Department, and the Indiana National Guard in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Local 416 stands ready to support Brother Thomas's family, his firehouse family, and all those affected by this tragedy. We encourage any member struggling with this loss to utilize the peer support and behavioral health resources available through our union and department.
Brother Thomas served with honor, dedication, and integrity. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
In Solidarity,
Shannon Whiteley
President, IAFF Local 416
The Executive Board

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

Convention video is online now. Check it out here!