EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — A leader within the Evansville Fire Department has earned a major state award.
According to officials, Battalion Chief Eric Gentry, Chief Fire Marshal was named the 2026 Indiana Fire Officer of the Year at the Indiana Fire & EMS Leadership Conference. The award ceremony took place from September 9 to September 11 in Noblesville.
The award ceremony is meant to unite fire leadership across the state while honoring the collaboration, innovation and service of fire and EMS leaders. EFD says Gentry’s award is well deserved.
“Since joining EFD in 2009, Chief Gentry has dedicated his career to serving Evansville, both on the fireground and through fire prevention and investigations,” says EFD. “Today, he continues that work as a dual-authority firefighter and law enforcement officer, strengthening EFD’s ability to investigate intentionally set fires and hold those responsible accountable.”…