Joshua Caudill of the Whitestown Fire Department
Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided
Joshua Caudill, a firefighter for the Whitestown Fire Department, was recently named the American Legion Firefighter of the Year, and it’s an honor he treasures. 
“It has been one of my greatest achievements thus far in my career,” he says. “It’s a tremendous honor to even be nominated, especially since it’s a nomination from my peers. I was nominated by a member of my department, stating that I am reliable and that I go above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis.”
The Firefighter of the Year award is designated to a fire department member who exceeds the normal job description of a firefighter, according to a statement by the Whitestown Fire Department. This can be either on a consistent basis or through an individual act. The nomination is submitted by the recipient’s peers and awarded at the recommendation of the peer-based committee.
Caudill appreciates the fact that his fellow firemen think so highly of him and know they can always count on him.
“This is an extremely humbling experience for me,” he says. “I never would’ve thought that I would be in this situation.”
Caudill’s job as a firefighter began almost 20 years ago. It’s a career he has thoroughly enjoyed.
“I first became a firefighter in 2004 as a volunteer with a few part-time firefighter positions, before being hired full time at the Whitestown Fire Department in 2015,” he says. “What I love the most about being a firefighter is that I am able to help people on their worst days ever. I have always cared for people my entire life and being a firefighter has been an extremely rewarding career.”
Caudill thinks very highly of his fellow firefighters.
“I’ve been blessed to be a part of an amazing department, as well as truly blessed that our calls have gone tremendously well, such as delivering a baby,” he says.
When Caudill isn’t working, he enjoys focusing on different endeavors that also bring him a lot of joy.
“I am married with four kids,” he says. “They are the reason I strive to be the best I can be, and to be an example to them to look up to. When I’m not working I enjoy hiking, working on our farm, and spending time with my wife and family.”
Caudill has been grateful for all of the great support he has received from his fellow firefighters, wife and family. He is inspired by them every day.
“Winning the American Legion Firefighter of the Year has been an extreme honor for me, and I would like to thank my wife, my
family, and my department for giving me all of the avenues to do the best possible job and serve the citizens of Whitestown to the best of my ability,” he says.
