Columbus Fire Department welcomes two new team members

COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) welcomed two new members on Tuesday.

Firefighters James Hopkins and Nick Lynn were sworn in by Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon during the January 13 Board of Public Works and Safety meeting held at Columbus City Hall.

Hopkins, 35, is a Jackson County resident and Volunteer Firefighter with the Brownstown Volunteer Fire Department. He is a certified EMT, holds Indiana Firefighter I & II certifications, and has hazardous materials awareness and operations certifications. Hopkins is also a part-time employee with Jackson County Emergency Medical Services. 

Lynn, 25, is a Johnson County resident who holds Indiana Firefighter I & II certifications as well as hazardous materials awareness and operations certifications. He will receive additional training to achieve the basic EMT certification, a requirement for all Columbus Firefighters.

Both of the new CFD firefighters will undergo an orientation and training program, which will conclude with station and shift assignments. 

The addition of Hopkins and Lynn increases the department to 93 firefighters, two short of full staff. CFD is currently hosting a hiring process to establish a hiring list for 2026 and fill immediate vacancies left by recent retirements.