Hanging up hats and hoses

Chief Bret Merriman retires from Sheridan Fire Department

Chief Bret Merriman of the Sheridan Fire Department retired on Monday after almost three decades of public service to the Sheridan community.

Captain Travis Stern will take over as the interim Chief for the Sheridan Fire Department and the chief position will be filled sometime in January 2020.

Captain Stern said, “I can’t thank Chief Merriman enough for his years of dedication to the public and specifically the Sheridan community.”

Stern has served on the career staff with the Sheridan Fire Department for 19 years and lives in the town of Sheridan.


Battalion Chief Cook retires from Noblesville after 30 years of service

Noblesville Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Cook recently hung up his gear for the last time.

Chief Cook graduated from Carmel High School in 1976. He was hired by the Noblesville Fire Department in 1988 and promoted to Battalion Chief in 2004. He has served the city of Noblesville honorably for over 30 years. He and his wife Brenda have two daughters, Michelle Diveley and Samantha Hall, as well as two grandsons, Samuel and Ben.

Chief Cook has been an active member of the Hamilton County Firefighters Local 4416 and a driving force behind the forthcoming Hamilton County Fallen Firefighters Memorial. He was a member of several teams including the County Hazmat Taskforce, Rescue Team, and Water Rescue Team.  He also served as the Dive Team Coordinator and was part of the Investigations Division.

Fire Chief Greg Wyant said, “BC Mike Cook not only served the citizens of Noblesville with honor and distinction, but both he and his family have volunteered countless hours to nearly every worthwhile cause the Noblesville Fire Department has been a part of. We are very happy for Mike and his family and wish them all the best as they set out on their well-deserved retirement.”