INDIANAPOLIS – The state’s executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Joel Thacker, will be stepping down to accept a role as the new fire chief for Carmel.
According to the Carmel release, Thacker will start on September 3. Gov. Eric Holcomb said the city “and Mayor (Sue) Finkham are fortunate to have him.”
“Joel has been a consistently effective leader when the Hoosiers needed it most during some of the state’s largest natural disasters,” Holcomb said in a state release announcing the change. “He’s never been afraid to roll up his sleeves and help wherever, whenever he’s needed.”
Holcomb appointed Thacker to the role in June 2022. He previously served as the state’s fire marshal and the director of the Fire and Building Safety Division. Before that, he was a fire chief with the Plainfield Fire Territory.
Thacker’s last day will be Aug. 30 and Chief of Staff Jonathan Whitham will be the acting executive director effective Aug. 31. Whitman will hold both roles and previously served as the general counsel for the agency.
Read the entire Whitney Downard story for the Indiana Capital Chronicle, here.
