After more than two decades of service, Ky Ragsdale, a firefighter since 2002, was recently appointed by Mayor Fadness as chief of the Fishers Fire and Emergency Services Department. His extensive professional experience makes him a trusted leader in his new role. Additionally, he has a personal connection to the community, having lived in Fishers since 2000 with his wife, Donna, and son, Cole.
Family influenced Ragsdale’s path to fire service — his grandfather and father served as fire chiefs.
“I was born into it,” he says. “I have many childhood memories spent around firehouses.”
His career officially began after serving in the military, when a chance sighting of a firetruck rekindled the inspiration planted by his family years before.
Ragsdale recently celebrated 23 years with the department and is taking on the role at a pivotal time. Fishers continues to grow rapidly, bringing new challenges in public safety. Among the most pressing concerns, Ragsdale says, is the increasing demand for emergency medical services, which now make up roughly 70% of the department’s calls. Particularly notable is a sharp rise in mental health-related incidents — something that was rare in 2002 but has become a key focus of training and response today.
“We’re catching many of these mental and emotional calls very early,” Ragsdale says. “We’re investing heavily in training and partnerships to be ready, especially for youth dealing with anxiety, depression and panic.”
This commitment to preparation and service instills confidence in the community.
Ragsdale also says Fishers is experiencing significant residential construction and urban density changes. He says the department must adapt its tactics with taller buildings and newer materials affecting fire behavior.
“We used to have five to eight minutes to respond to a house fire,” he says. “Due to construction changes, sometimes it’s just two to three minutes.”
In his first few months as chief, Ragsdale is focusing on building a strong leadership team and evaluating every department division.
“With any new leadership comes new challenges and ideas,” he says.
His long-term goals include strategic planning, internal development and maintaining high fire, EMS and emergency preparedness standards, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Fishers community.
“We have to be flexible and adaptable,” Ragsdale says. “When COVID hit, for example, we had to quickly figure out how to test our staff so they could continue serving the community safely.”
For Ragsdale, the appointment carries personal meaning. The opportunity to lead in his local community is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“This is one of the greatest honors of my life,” he says. “To live, work and now lead here — it’s something I don’t take lightly.”
Ragsdale is also quick to thank former Chief Steve Orusa, who retired earlier this year.
“He was instrumental in shaping the department and personally helped guide me through the transition,” Ragsdale says. “I hope to carry forward many of the principles he instilled, ensuring continuity and respect for the department’s history.”
As Fishers continues evolving, Chief Ragsdale shares a simple message with residents:
“The firehouse doors are open. We’re listening, we’re ready and we’re here to serve.”
