STATEHOUSE (May 21, 2026) – State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) recently presented a Sagamore of the Wabash to retired Goshen Fire Chief Danny Sink for over four decades of public service.
King said Sink joined the Goshen Fire Department in 1981, serving 43 years. In 2005, Sink was appointed fire chief and led in that position for 19 years, becoming the longest-serving fire chief in Goshen's history.
She said Sink established the Goshen Fire Academy to prepare new recruits with real-life training. He spearheaded the Fire and EMS Pathway Program in partnership with Goshen Community Schools, which enables Goshen High School students to complete fire and EMS training and earn certifications through Ivy Tech to be hired as a firefighter or EMT. Sink was instrumental in launching and completing the Chief Danny Sink Regional Training Facility, a one-of-a-kind live-burn training center. The center was completed after nearly 20 years in the making and is now used by departments across Michiana and the US Army.
"For years, Sink answered the call when others ran from danger. He stood as a calm voice during emergencies, a mentor to firefighters, a leader in times of uncertainty and a trusted public servant for the people of Goshen," King said. "Fire service is not simply a profession; it is a commitment to sacrifice — missed holidays, sleepless nights, dangerous conditions and countless moments where the safety of others comes before your own. Chief Sink embraced that responsibility with courage and dignity."
King said Sink served as chair of the Indiana Fire Alliance and held leadership roles in the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association. He was named the Indiana Fire Chief of the Year in 2024 and also received the State EMS Director's Award. Sink also served as a flight paramedic for nearly 20 years while continuing his work with the Goshen Fire Department.
Dating back to the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash award was created by former Gov. Ralph Gates. It is the highest honor the governor can bestow and is presented to distinguished Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to the state of Indiana.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION 1: State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) (front row, far right) presents former Goshen Fire Chief Danny Sink (front row, middle) with a Sagamore of the Wabash on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Goshen Central Fire Station for 43 years in public service. Others pictured are (from left) current Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty, State Sen. Blake Doriot (R-Goshen), Goshen Councilman Don Riegsecker and former Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) (right) and former Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman (center) present retired Goshen Fire Chief Danny Sink (left) with a Sagamore of the Wabash on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Goshen Central Fire Station for 43 years in public service.
