Evansville, INDIANA – Evansville Fire Department Battalion Chief Eric Gentry, who also serves as Chief Fire Marshal, has been named the 2026 Indiana Fire Officer of the Year at the Indiana Fire & EMS Leadership Conference.
Gentry joined the Evansville Fire Department in 2009 and has spent his career serving the community both on the fireground and through fire prevention and investigations.
He currently serves as a dual-authority firefighter and law enforcement officer, a role that helps the department investigate intentionally set fires and pursue those responsible.
The Evansville Fire Department said the recognition comes as the city has seen a major increase in its ability to close intentionally set fire investigations.
In 2026, Evansville has achieved a 35% closure rate for intentionally set fires, compared with around 1% in previous years when the department was involved in those investigations.
The department said Gentry credits his team of investigators and the local law enforcement agencies they work alongside for the results.
Evansville Fire Department officials congratulated Gentry on the recognition and praised his continued work in fire investigations and prevention.
