Posted Monday, July 8, 2024

Fire Department Announces Promotion, Welcomes Two New Hires

From left to right: Fire Marshall Dave Teusch, Assistant Chief Duane Naab, Connor Adkins, Justin Winters, Lieutenant Matt Blackburn, Fire Chief Tony Johnson and Mayor Richard Strick.

HUNTINGTON – The Huntington Fire Department celebrated the promotion of a longtime firefighter on Monday and welcomed its two newest recruits.

Matt Blackburn, who has spent 11 years with the Fire Department, was promoted to Lieutenant during a morning ceremony at the Huntington City Building. Fire Chief Tony Johnson credited Blackburn’s leadership, reliability and contributions as a member of several boards and committees.

“Matt and I worked on the same crew early on in his career,” Chief Johnson said. “He has always been a solid and reliable firefighter that I could depend on. I value his opinion and will continue to do so in this new role.”

Joining Blackburn at Monday’s ceremony were his wife, Natalie, and their three children.

Justin Winters and Connor Adkins also were sworn in during the ceremony as the department’s newest firefighters. Both graduated from Huntington North High School.

Winters, who previously worked in the automotive industry, was joined by his wife, Laura, and their three children.

Adkins, who comes from the construction industry, was joined by his wife, Zoie, and their two sons.

Next, Winters and Adkins will attend the Fort Wayne Fire Academy’s 23-week training program.