Columbus Township Fire & Rescue

10/14/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Columbus Township Fire & Rescue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Engine 23: Rosenbauer 2,500-Gallon Pumper Tanker Placed Into Service

COLUMBUS, INDIANA — Columbus Township Fire & Rescue is proud to announce that Engine 23, a Rosenbauer 2,500-gallon pumper tanker, has officially been placed into service to protect the residents of Columbus Township and Bartholomew County.

This new apparatus represents a significant investment in the department’s firefighting capabilities and commitment to providing effective emergency response throughout our community. Equipped with a 2,500-gallon water tank, Engine 23 will provide a valuable water supply for fire suppression operations, particularly in rural areas where fire hydrants may be limited or unavailable.

Engine 23 will enhance the department’s ability to respond to structure fires, rural fires, and other emergencies while supporting operations alongside neighboring fire departments through mutual aid.

The addition of this apparatus reflects Columbus Township Fire & Rescue’s continued dedication to maintaining a modern fleet, equipping our firefighters with the tools necessary to perform their duties safely and effectively, and ensuring the residents of Columbus Township and Bartholomew County receive the highest level of fire protection possible.

Columbus Township Fire & Rescue extends its appreciation to the township leadership and community members whose continued support makes investments like this possible.

A special thank you goes to the Columbus Township Trustee, Advisory Board, and Tax Payers for their continued support of our department and their commitment to providing the resources necessary to serve and protect our community. Their support plays an important role in ensuring our firefighters have the equipment needed to meet the demands of emergency response and provide dependable fire protection to our residents.

Columbus Township Fire & Rescue
Nathan Lyon
Fire Chief

09/11/2026

Today, we come together as neighbors, friends, families, and a community to honor those we lost, those who served, and all those whose lives were forever changed. May we continue to choose kindness, unity, and compassion—and always remember that we are stronger when we stand together.
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.🇺🇸

09/09/2026

📣 Calling all firefighters and EMTs! 🚒 🚑
Our annual TRAUMA CAMP is coming up on October 3rd! Online registration is now open!

Trauma Camp is a day full of scenario-based exercises that will challenge EMS personnel and firefighters to put their training into action to provide patient care and complete each scenario. The scenarios are designed to satisfy all of the skills requirements for EMT re-certification, and provide fi...

08/17/2026

The moment everyone’s been waiting for! This years EMT course is now enrolling! See registration directions below!

07/15/2026

During a recent mutual aid response with Elizabethtown Fire Department, Firefighter Barnes demonstrated exactly what it means to be prepared when seconds matter.

His quick thinking, decisive actions, and ability to immediately provide lifesaving care made a difference when it mattered most.

Outstanding work, Firefighter Barnes. Your commitment to serving others is something we are proud to recognize!

Volunteer Firefighter and Reserve Deputy Responds to Victim Ran Over by Vehicle

On July 07, 2026, Reserve Deputy Michael Barnes, who was acting in his capacity as an Elizabethtown Volunteer Firefighter, responded to assist with a reported traffic accident. Deputy Barnes arrived first on scene and located a female victim who had been partially run over and become trapped between the front wheel and the wheel-well of a pickup truck. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Deputy Barnes located a floor jack on scene and used it to lift the truck, expanding the space between the wheel and the wheel-well enough to allow the victim to be freed from entrapment.

Deputy Barnes' quick thinking and decisive action during this emergency prevented the victim from sustaining further injury. His response reflects a strong commitment to public service and the safety of the community he serves.

“I am proud of having Reserve Deputy Barnes, and I appreciate his volunteer service as both a Reserve Deputy and a firefighter. He is a valuable asset to our agency, and Bartholomew County is lucky to have him as a public servant,” said Sheriff Chris Lane.

07/08/2026

A huge thank you to Planet Fitness of Columbus for their generous donation of cardio equipment to us here at Columbus Township Fire Rescue!

This equipment will be put to great use during our gear workouts and daily fitness training, helping our firefighters stay physically prepared to serve our community. We truly appreciate your investment in the health and wellness of our team and your continued support of first responders.

06/29/2026

With temperatures on the rise, cooling stations are available at the locations listed below for anyone needing relief from the heat.

While we have your attention, we’d like to make you aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses:

Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Cool, pale, clammy skin

Signs of Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency):
• Body temperature above 103°F
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Hot, red skin
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

If you or someone else begins experiencing these symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention!

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and check on family, friends, and neighbors during periods of extreme heat.

06/11/2026

Our crew is out at Lowe’s with the Bartholomew County Sheriffs Department and Lemonade Bros for Jacob’s Life Jacket Project. Come visit us and help out a good cause!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, Columbus Township Fire Rescue honors and remembers the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication to protecting our freedom will never be forgotten. We wish everyone a safe Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

04/23/2026

Our members are back in Indy assisting the Indiana Smoke Divers with their FDIC class the next 2 days! We are grateful for opportunities like this, as it helps our members gain knowledge and experience from some of the best instructors around!