When Fishers Fire Chief Steve Orusa announced his intention to retire at the end of calendar year 2024, Mayor Scott Fadness took his time in appointing his replacement.  The mayor announced his choice Tuesday afternoon.

The mayor’s office announced Battalion Chief Ky Ragsdale as the next Chief of the Fishers Fire and Emergency Services (FFES), effective January 24, 2025. Ragsdale is a fire service professional with more than 20 years of experience with FFES.  

“Ky is a dedicated public safety professional who cares deeply about the Fishers community,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness in a city news release. “The leadership Battalion Chief Ragsdale will bring to the department comes at an exciting time for the city, as the community continues to grow and evolve. His experience and commitment to service ensures that Fishers Fire and Emergency Services will continue to be a pillar of safety and reliability for all residents.”

Ragsdale is a third-generation firefighter, going back to his late grandfather, who served as fire chief in West Lafayette, and his late father, who served as assistant chief. 

“Serving the Fishers community is an honor, and I look forward to working with the men and women of Fishers Fire and Emergency Services to continue pushing the envelope to remain a national leader as a department,” said Ragsdale. “I am dedicated to giving my best to the department and the Fishers community. Chief Orusa is leaving behind a legacy that developed our department to meet any challenge and protect those we serve and I’m dedicated to serving each day to deliver the results of that effort.”

Ragsdale holds a Bachelor of Management degree and is a U.S. Navy veteran. Currently serving as Battalion Chief, Ragsdale is incident commander during emergency situations, oversees departmental operations, spearheaded FFES’ Recruit Academy with more than 70 firefighters, and has served on specialized response teams including HAZMAT and Dive Rescue.

“Battalion Chief Ky Ragsdale has the knowledge, skill, ability, wisdom, and experience to lead Fishers Fire and Emergency Services into the future,” said FFES Chief Steven Orusa. “He is the perfect choice to be our new fire chief.”

The transition should be seamless, with Ragsdale taking over command as Chief on January 24, 2025, the date of current Chief Steven Orusa’s retirement.