CARMEL, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s executive director is stepping down.
According to press releases from both the City of Carmel and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s office, Joel Thacker’s last day with the IDHS will be Aug. 30. He is leaving the department of homeland security to become the City of Carmel’s fire chief.
“On behalf of the State of Indiana, I want to thank Joel for his years of service to Hoosier taxpayers,” Holcomb wrote in a prepared statement. “I am personally grateful for his commitment to public safety and constant collaboration with the Cabinet. The City of Carmel and Mayor Finkam are fortunate to have him.”
Thacker was named executive director of the IDHS in June 2022. During his time in the role, Thacker helped Holcomb build out hands-on fire training centers and programs across the state. Those programs now ensure firefighters need not travel more than 45 minutes to receive training.
Thacker also helped secure $10 million in funding that helped provide volunteer firefighters in Indiana with personal protective equipment.
During his two years with the IDHS, Thacker and other state leaders dedicated $15 million in funding to emergency medical services readiness training programs and a 911 inoperability study.
“It has been a great honor to serve the citizens of Indiana for the last four-plus years,” Thacker wrote in a prepared statement. “With the support of Governor Holcomb and the General Assembly, we have been able to help communities and individuals recover from the impacts of natural disasters as well as provide new training opportunities and equipment to first responders statewide.”
Thacker was the state fire marshal and the director of Indiana’s fire and building safety division before he became executive director of the IDHS.
IDHS Chief of Staff Jonathan Witham will act as the agency’s executive director once Thacker officially steps down. Holcomb’s office indicated Witham will maintain his current role as chief of staff while assuming Thacker’s former duties.
Witham became associated with the IDHS in 2014, when he began serving as general counsel. Before he joined the IDHS, Witham worked as a part-time firefighter and EMT with the White River Township Fire Department.
“Jonathan has been walking alongside Joel every step of the way and will provide a seamless transition for staff, partners and stakeholders,” Holcomb wrote in a prepared statement.
Witham currently holds two degrees from Indiana University — one law degree and a bachelor of arts.
“I’m honored to be asked to step in during such a crucial time in public safety,” Whitham wrote in a statement. “Indiana has experienced a record number of disasters, and we’ve seen the benefits of being prepared under Joel Thacker’s successful leadership. I will continue to focus the agency on preparedness, so Hoosiers remain secure in the state I’m blessed to call home. It is my passion to protect, and I’m ready to get to work.”
Thacker was a fire chief in Plainfield before he became state fire marshal. Per the City of Carmel’s press release, Thacker began his public safety career as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Johnson County.
“Joel has been repeatedly called upon at both local and state levels for his leadership and knowledge in public safety,” Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam said via press release. “I am thrilled to have his expertise focused on our community, leading an impressive team that is committed to the safety of our residents, businesses and visitors.”
Finkam reported that she involved her public safety peers in Carmel and local community members in the fire chief selection process.
“It is an honor to serve the firefighters and people of Carmel and to support Mayor Finkam’s vision,” Thacker said via release. “Preparedness is crucial for the success of Hoosier families, communities and the state, and I look forward to advancing training, while supporting all partners in ensuring the safety of the Carmel community.”
Thacker is a licensed paramedic. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in criminal justice and public safety from Indiana University.
Thacker’s first day as Carmel Fire Chief is Sept. 3. Per a release, the City of Carmel will release details on a public swearing-in ceremony for Thacker at a later date.
