Zionsville Fire Department

10/30/2026

Meet Engineer Matt Petro of A Shift at Station 291, where he drives the ladder truck. With 15 years in the fire service, including 9 years as an engineer, Matt brings experience and dedication to serving his crew and community.

1. What is one lesson the fire service has taught you that you use in everyday life?

The fire service has taught me how to work through problems calmly and stay adaptable. Situations change quickly, and being prepared to adjust has served me well both on and off the job.

2. What are you passionate about outside of the firehouse?

Family and the outdoors. We spend our summers traveling, spending time at the lake, enjoying watersports, and relaxing on our boat.

3. If you weren't a firefighter, what would you be doing?

Something in the technology field—no question about it.

4. What’s your go-to station meal?

When the weather gets cooler, I like to make a Zuppa Toscana-style soup (think Olive Garden) for the crew.

5. What is your coffee order?

I don’t drink coffee, but I love Starbucks’ cold drinks—especially the Dragon Fruit Pink Drink.

6. What do you wish someone had told you before you became a firefighter?

I wish someone had told me just how great this job truly is. If I had known, I would have joined the fire service long before turning 30.

7. What makes someone a great firefighter?

A great firefighter is someone who is always learning and adapting. The best firefighters I’ve worked with are compassionate, caring, and committed to both learning the job and teaching others.

8. What influenced you to join the fire service?

I was coming from a 10-year career in the aftermarket automotive industry and wanted a career that challenged me, allowed me to help others, and gave me a sense of making a real difference.

9. Who was your greatest mentor?

Andy Dixon from the Plainfield Fire Department played a major role from the very start of my fire service career. During my initial training, his passion and knowledge stood out. We built a strong relationship then, and it continues today.

10/08/2026

Engine 292 and Battalion 209 are on the scene in the 3000 block of Cherwell Drive on a gas line cut. Repair crews are on scene. There are no required evacuations at this time.

10/05/2026

Earlier this afternoon, Zionsville and Perry Twp. Firefighters assisted by crews from Whitestown and Lebanon Fire Departments were dispatched on a Farm Machinery Fire in Western Zionsville. Perry Twp. Firefighters arrived on scene to find smoke and fire coming from a combine. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews remained on scene to ensure there was no additional fire spread in the storage.

10/04/2026

A massive thank you to everyone who came out, filled their plates, and supported our annual Pancake Day! Seeing our community pack the bay means the world to us. That's a wrap for this year..see you at the next one.

10/03/2026

Tomorrow's the big day! Set your alarms for breakfast!

10/02/2026

BEYOND THE BUNKER GEAR: Because there’s more to our crew than the job.

This week, we’re getting to know Firefighter/Paramedic Tad Henderson. Tad Henderson is currently assigned to the office as the Division Chief of EMS. Chief Henderson has been a Firefighter/Paramedic for 16 years and has served the Zionsville for 10 of those years.

1. What is one lesson the fire service has taught you that you use in everyday life?
“To always keep expanding your knowledge and remain teachable through humility.”

2. What are you passionate about outside of the firehouse?
Music and family.

3. What’s your go-to station meal?
Red beans and rice with Cajun garlic bread.

4. What is your coffee order?
Medium vanilla latte with almond milk.

5. Who on your crew would you trust to cook dinner—and who absolutely would you not?
Trust: “When I was on shift, Sam Alley and I made a pretty good duo.”
Not Trust: Captain Box.

6. What do you wish someone had told you before you became a firefighter?
“You don’t have to be a tough guy all the time, and make sure you find someone you can always confide in when you experience things others don’t.”

7. What makes someone a great firefighter?
“The kind of person that doesn’t worry about others knowing that. Someone who knows the craft well after hours and hours of practice and who does this because they have a passion for helping others no matter the cost.”

8. What influenced you to join the fire service?
"My brother in-law Jerome Tushbant. I was considering joining either the Police or Fire Service. As an officer himself, he advised me to join the Fire Service."

9. Who was your greatest mentor?
In the fire service: Rocky Strange
In life: My father, Coleman Henderson

Thank you Chief Henderson!

09/30/2026

Three days...
The griddles are coming out of storage. The batter recipe hasn't changed in 41 years. Neither has the reason.
Saturday, Oct 3 · 6–11 AM · Station 291, 100 N. Ford Road

09/30/2026

Members of Zionsville Police and Zionsville Fire joined community partners at today’s ZCS State of the Schools to hear from district leadership about the vision for our schools, current priorities and the impacts of the upcoming referendum.

Thank you to Zionsville Community Schools, the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce and Zionsville Education Foundation for the invitation. We value the strong partnership between our schools, public safety teams and the Town as we continue working together to serve the Zionsville community!

09/25/2026

One week from tomorrow. 🥞

The 41st Annual Pancake Day is Saturday, October 3, from 6–11 a.m. at Station 91 (100 N. Ford Rd). All you can eat. Bring the whole family.

And a big thank you to the sponsors who make it happen year after year – we couldn't do it without you.

09/22/2026