Making a profound impact in your community by directly influencing people’s daily lives is a significant reason many individuals dedicate their careers to public service. Fishers Fire Chief Steve Orusa, a shining example of this dedication, has devoted over 42 years to public service.
His journey began in law enforcement and then transitioned to the fire department in Waukegan, Illinois, for 25 years. After retiring from that position, he joined the Fishers Fire Department in 2011. He’s served as chief for the last 12 years and is set to retire this month.
During his time with the city, Orusa has been instrumental in implementing key initiatives that have significantly improved the community, including the Stigma Free Fishers mental health initiative, transitioning the department to include emergency services, and the community paramedicine program.
“You’re only as good as your people,” Orusa says. “We’ve been able to accomplish a lot in the past 15 years. One of the newer challenges for our department has been the growth of Fishers. As the community grows, your department must grow to protect its residents. Our changing society and culture magnifies those challenges.”
Orusa says Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness is one of the most progressive leaders he’s ever seen in his career. He says change is an institutional value, and for the fire service, an organization steeped in tradition, that is a huge paradigm shift.
“You have to, as a culture, recognize and cherish your traditions, but you can’t live in the past,” Orusa says. “You have to constantly be changing and evolving because the risk profile of your community changes and continues to evolve.”
He says all of these initiatives were born out of necessity. As the city grows and adds new businesses, entertainment venues and homes, new challenges arise. He says fires are down across the country, but service calls are on the rise for a variety of issues they’ve never experienced. Orusa says fire departments are forced to rebrand themselves.
“For any hazard or risk in the community, we stand in the gap,” Orusa says. “COVID was a great example. Our fire department vaccinated and tested more Hoosiers, not just Fishers residents, than any department in the state. That was because we were able to improvise, adapt, and meet the needs of our community during one of the most trying times in the past decade.”
Orusa plans to remain firmly rooted in Fishers, considering himself a resident for life. He acknowledges that a career in the fire service takes a toll on one’s body, and he intends to prioritize his physical well-being while spending quality time with his beloved family. He says he wants to continue to add value to the community, possibly through volunteer work or advisory roles. He and his wife – or his chief, as he calls her – also plan to travel in their free time. He says he’s excited to move on to the next phase of his life, but his commitment to Fishers remains unwavering.
Orusa has also served on nonprofit boards, including the City of Fishers Youth Mentoring Initiative, Hamilton County Humane Society, Leslie Anne Hulse Foundation, and International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists board of directors.
After 42 years on the job, Orusa has a mix of positive and negative memories. He has seen people on the worst days of their lives. He recalls a poignant story from his early days as a firefighter when he was dispatched to a house fire.
“As we were searching the second floor of the house, we sadly found a deceased infant,” Orusa says. “As we were leaving the building, we were dispatched to our next call. A woman was in labor. So I delivered my first child in the field the same day. It was pretty memorable. Something like that brings you comfort when you have those bad memories.”
Fadness has recently appointed Battalion Chief Ky Ragsdale as the city’s next fire chief, ensuring a smooth transition.
“I am eternally grateful for Chief Orusa’s 15 years of service to the citizens of Fishers and his over 40 years of dedication to public safety,” says Fadness. “He has worked to transform our fire and emergency service department to meet the needs of our ever-changing city. After the countless sleepless nights and difficult scenes, I am excited for my friend to transition into the next chapter of his life.”
