10/04/2026
We are sad to report the loss of one of our own. As many of you have heard by now we have lost Earl Hutcheson. The family, friends, fire service and community are greatly impacted by this loss. Earl was the prime example of how we should be as nation. He was a Godly man, a faithful husband, loving father, a proud grandfather, a supporting friend and a devoted firefighter. He was one who would go above and beyond for those he loved and for those he didn’t know. Earl was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him. In his honor, some of his fellow firefighters of the Dick Johnson Volunteer Fire Department have taken the time to share somethings about him. It just goes to show how much he meant to so many and the impact he truly did have on those around him.
Earl was the consummate public servant, he exemplified the definition of volunteer fire service and serving his neighbors and his community. -Kevin Orme, Fire Chief
I have known Earl for over 30 years in the Fire Service. As memories flow one story comes to mind. One fire run we needed to reposition our tanker down a long driveway. I had jumped in the operator’s seat after Earl had been in it (Who as many of you know is quite a bit shorter than me), and he jumped in the captain’s seat, I decided not to reposition the seat due to only going a short distance. Unknowingly in this short distance there were very rough spots. As we were moving, we hit a spot that threw me up into the roof of the cab causing my foot to come off the break and slammed me back down allowing me to get back on the breaks and this action continued for a good distance until I could get the tanker to come to a stop. I looked over and Earl was laughing so hard he had tears rolling down his face and stated “thanks Brian, I needed that! It looked like you were in a tumble dryer.” This is only one of many we shared in our ventures together. -“Then I Heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I Send? And who will go for us?’ And I Said, “Here am I, Send Me!" (Isaiah 6:8)..Rest easy my friend. We will take it from here. Until we meet again -Brian Snow, Assistant Fire Chief
Earl was the type of man that all of us strived to be like. He had so much care for this community that he was not afraid to share it whenever he could. As I grew up and entered the fire service, Earl was always one of those people you could go to for genuine heartfelt guidance and always trust every word. This county has truly lost a part of itself in his passing, and I hope his love and compassion for others has been passed along to the ones that will carry on going forward. -Zeph Smith, Vice President
No more pain, but family and friends are in sorrow. But we know we’re not promised tomorrow. So glad you’ve entered heavens space and got to see Jesus face! One day soon we will see you again, until then we will wait on Gods plan! We love you Earl! -Lauren Orme, Firefighter
Earl was a fine man. He dedicated his life towards service to the community. Even during the years of his illness he still worked to help others. All who crossed his path were and are blessed. He will be missed and remembered, which is the best tribute we can offer. -Don Brannan, Firefighter
I appreciate how welcoming he was when I first joined the department. He made me feel like I belonged and just that small act was indicative of the kind of man he was. He was well respected around the department, we all have big boots to fill. -Colin Seifert, Firefighter
He was a very sweet person, a good firefighter and an excellent coworker with search and rescue. – Eugene Krantz, Firefighter
I’m thankful for all he did for his community and how he showed up for everyone. He always welcomed us with open arms and he will truly be missed. -Braelyn Tetidrick, Firefighter
I’ve known Earl since he was young. Earl was always out volunteering anywhere he was needed. With all of his training and experience I would have rather had him over any medic or ambulance on scene. Was full of knowledge and always there when needed. My wife and I trusted him with our lives. -David Snow, Firefighter
He taught me so much with firefighting and was a good man. He is one that will be missed. -Jeremy Snow, former DJ Firefighter
He was a great mentor and always willing to help in any situation. He was patient when teaching on the fire ground which helped me learn. -Nick Warner, former DJ Firefighter
When I first began attending the Dick Johnson Twp VFD meetings after being elected Township Trustee, one of the first people to welcome me was Earl Hutcheson. Earl always had a smile and a kind word for me whenever we met. He’d ask how I was and how things were going. He’d think and wave every time he’d pass my home either on his way or coming from his Mom and Dad’s place nearby. Even after his health started to decline this pattern never changed. When trees were blown down after a storm on Kennedy Crossing and I went to see if somehow I could help, there was Earl with his chainsaw before anyone else could get there. This was while he was also serving on Posey Twp’s VFD. We can never understand why good folks go through trials but I hope and pray that should I have to face such, I will be able to do so with half the grace and dignity that Earl showed. Well done, Earl. Your shift is complete. Rest well. -Terry Castor, Township Trustee
As I sat here and read these while posting them, I couldn’t help but think back at the late night and early morning calls Earl and I had responded to back when I was on Jackson. So many heartfelt conversations over the last 14.5 years. Tips, jokes and stories too. Earl, you and Lori both have been there when I’ve needed someone whether you knew it or not, even before I knew you were her husband. The last few months not seeing you as often has been hard but knowing I won’t see you at all from here on out here on earth is even harder. Your smile, your hugs and your loving words and advice will all be missed dearly, but our memories will be cherished forever. I know you will still be guiding us through the calls we get, and I know I will see you again someday. John 15:13 says ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’ and you did it with pride until you couldn’t anymore, so for now, take it easy and hang up your helmet my friend... Well done, faithful servant of God, your department has it from here, serving it forward in honor and remembrance of you. -Brandi Mace, Secretary/Treasurer
Earl Hutcheson, the department thanks you for your years of dedication and service. Rest easy. Keep us safe.
No longer by our side, forever in our hearts.
The proud members of Dick Johnson Volunteer Fire Department
