STATEHOUSE (Sept. 25, 2026) – State Rep. Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) recently presented a certificate posthumously honoring Mark O'Heir, the former Vermillion County emergency management director, for his years of service supporting the Wabash River Run. The annual canoe, kayak and paddleboard event travels 11 miles along the Wabash River from Montezuma to Clinton.
O'Heir, who coordinated emergency management for Vermillion County for 16 years, helped develop emergency response plans and coordinate safety protocols for the annual event. He was a member of Indiana Task Force 7, assisting in natural disaster responses, and served on the Indiana District 7 Healthcare Coalition. The state honored him with the Indiana Homeland Medal of Merit for his service.
During his career, O'Heir also served more than 27 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in various parts of the country as well as Japan and the Caribbean. Yocum presented the certificate to O'Heir's wife, Laurie.
"Mark put years of work into making sure the Wabash River Run would be a safe and successful event for everyone involved," Yocum said. "His willingness to serve the residents of Vermillion County has left a positive impact on our local communities. I'm grateful for his many contributions and proud to honor the legacy he left behind."
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State Rep. Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) represents House District 42, which includes
all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) (right) presents a certificate to Laurie O'Heir (left) at the Helt Township Trustee's Office in Dana, Ind. The certificate recognizes her late husband, Mark O'Heir, for his years of service coordinating emergency response in Vermillion County and supporting the Wabash River Run.
