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Chris Betzner, Chief
I am proud to have served the Community as a Peru City Firefighter and Officer for the past 24 years. Most recently, I served as Assistant Chief - B Crew. My experience also includes Assistant Chief - A Crew, Code Enforcement Inspector, Code Enforcement Division Captain, Arson Investigator, Arson Division Captain, River Rescue, EMT and Pension Secretary. I am certified with the State of Indiana as a Firefighter I & II, Investigator I & II and Code Enforcement I & II. I look forward to my new responsibilities and take great pride in the Peru Fire Department. I continue to enjoy coming to work and being able to serve the great community of Peru and Miami County. My longevity with the fire department and experience as a business owner will be assets as I assume this new role of Peru City Fire Chief.
As Chief I lead 30 extremely well trained firefighters that help in the mission of community protection and service in a variety of ways. The Department employs 16 certified EMTs, 1 certified Paramedic, and a team of 9 certified Swift Water Rescuers who all specialize in rescue operations in conjunction with Miami County EMS. There are 3 certified Inspectors who assure the regulation and compliance with fire codes on staff as well as 3 certified Investigators who are responsible for the assessment of fire cause and origin. Our 3 certified Training Officers ensure that we all keep up to date with the latest and most effective methods of firefighting and rescue operations. We have 3 full time mechanics that ensure the safety of their fellow citizens and other firefighters by keeping all equipment in the best state of working order for our critical rescue operations.
Even though we have an extremely well trained and capable staff able to meet many emergency needs, the Peru Fire Department is a network of Public Safety Officers and we wish to stress the importance of fire safety and prevention for every home and business. There are many different precautions that should be taken to help prevent injury in the event of an emergency. We wish to promote the importance of smoke detectors, in all homes, and the need for their proper maintenance which includes monthly tests and annual battery replacement. Each home should also have a complete set of fire evacuation plans that every member of the household is familiar with. At least 2 exit points, a common rendezvous area, and reactions for what to do should one come into contact with fire are all things that should be included in the plan.
Though smoke detectors and emergency plans are vital in the fight against emergency related injuries they can not be relied upon solely for your protection. The Peru Fire Department prides itself on the training of the public that we are here to protect. We work closely with the local schools during Fire Prevention Week and hold training demonstrations on proper fire extinguisher use for many different organizations. Because we feel that prevention is the best tool in a firefighter and emergency responders’ arsenal, we welcome you to contact us at 765-472-2410 or stop by the station located at 85 West Canal St, Peru. We look forward to answering any questions or concerns you have with fire safety.