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Carmel honors Fire Chief David Hautbush after 34 years of service
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Summary
Council members and city leaders honored David Hautbush for 34 years with the Carmel Fire Department, including 10 years as chief, praising his focus on firefighter health, accreditation and leadership during COVID-19.
The Carmel City Council paid tribute on Feb. 2 to David Hautbush, who retired after 34 years with the Carmel Fire Department, including a decade as fire chief.
Joel Thacker, who introduced the recognition, praised Hautbush’s humility and commitment to firefighter welfare and training. "No one knows the responsibility of those leadership roles until you've said it," Thacker said, adding that Hautbush "played a significant role in the development and growth of the fire department."
Several council members and the mayor echoed those sentiments, thanking Hautbush for his emphasis on accreditation and long-term health measures for firefighters, including attention to carcinogen exposure and mental-health supports. Mayor Finkham thanked Hautbush for leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic and noted the operational challenges he managed.
Hautbush addressed the council, thanked colleagues and family, and said he looks forward to continued community service; he also noted that he has registered to run for a township board seat in the upcoming election. Councilors expressed appreciation for his 34 years and presented ceremonial remarks and best wishes for his retirement.
The recognition included remarks about Hautbush’s influence on department professionalism and his legacy in ensuring firefighter safety and wellness.
