On October 8, 2023, Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink was honored with the title of Indiana Fire Chief of the Year by the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association during the Indiana Emergency Response Conference Awards held in Noblesville. This prestigious award acknowledges stellar achievements made by public safety professionals in the state. Sink expressed his gratitude upon receiving the accolade, emphasizing the importance of the recognition coming from his peers in the fire service. He reflected on the honor of representing both the Goshen Fire Department and the City of Goshen, highlighting the communal nature of the accolade that underscores teamwork and shared commitment in the firefighting profession.
Chief Sink has a long and storied career with the Goshen Fire Department, spanning over 40 years. He stepped into the role of chief in September 2005, following significant roles as assistant chief and EMS chief. His leadership has been integral to the department’s progress and success. Mayor Gina Leichty commented on Sink’s significant contributions, stating that his commitment and leadership have greatly enhanced the safety framework in Goshen. This recognition is not just a personal achievement for Sink but also a reflection of the dedication and hard work of everyone within the department.
Under Sink’s leadership, the Goshen Fire Department underwent several transformative changes, including taking over the Elkhart Township Fire Department and initiating plans for a new fire station to better serve the community’s needs. Furthermore, he championed the establishment of the Goshen Fire Academy, which has already celebrated its first graduating class. These initiatives mark a notable expansion in the department’s capacity to serve and ensure the safety of Goshen’s residents. Chief Sink’s direct involvement in these projects illustrates a proactive approach to improving public safety services within the region.
This past August, the Goshen Fire Department, in collaboration with the city and Goshen Community Schools, launched the Fire and EMS Pathway Program. This innovative program aims to provide high school students with the opportunity to undergo fire and EMS training and obtain certifications essential for a career as a firefighter or EMT. Sink expressed a personal commitment to this educational initiative, describing it as a realization of a long-held aspiration to expand the department’s support of the community beyond emergency responses. Such programs are invaluable in fostering future generations of first responders and enhancing community safety.
Additionally, Chief Sink has shown a consistent desire to engage with the community, recognizing the importance of education in shaping the future of firefighting and emergency services. His efforts to create pathways for students to enter these critical roles demonstrate a forward-thinking perspective on public safety that goes beyond immediate response. This emphasis on education and community involvement underlines the integral role that the fire department plays in promoting both safety and opportunity within Goshen.
As Chief Sink prepares to retire in November, he will pass the baton to the current Assistant Chief, Anthony Powell. Sink’s retirement will mark the end of an era for the Goshen Fire Department, but his legacy will undoubtedly endure through the numerous initiatives and programs he has established. His dedication to service, community advocacy, and proactive leadership will inspire his successor and continue to shape the future of the department as it moves forward in serving the citizens of Goshen.