TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Terre Haute Fire Department will be led by a new chief as part of the coming administration under Mayor-elect Brandon Sakbun.
Sakbun made the announcement Monday that Terre Haute Fire Department Captain Darrick Scott will take over the role currently filled by Chief Bill Berry. Berry had been chief since being appointed by Mayor Duke Bennett in 2021.
Sakbun said his team reviewed five applicants, conducted numerous hours of interviews, and looked at what each applicant thought needed to be changed in how the department conducts business as well as what they thought the department had been doing well and should continue going forward.
“Chief Scott will be value added on day one,” Sakbun said. “He has the experience and passion to lead the men and women on the Terre Haute Fire Department. My commitment to public safety will be unparalleled. Chief Scott and I share a vision of recruiting and retaining the best firefighters, modernizing the department, and providing key services to the residents of Terre Haute.”
Scott is a graduate of West Vigo High School and Indiana State University. He has worked with the THFD since 1991 and served as a Vigo County Councilman from 2002-2010. Scott also served in the United States Navy.
We spoke with Darrick Scott Monday afternoon and he said he’s excited to start his new journey.
“It’s been very humbling to listen to my men and women of the department say congratulations. They have plans I want them heard. I want to be the chief that they can come to, talk with me, tell me what their vision is and hopefully I can make that happen. I couldn’t of done it without a good family base and a great career. I mean an absolutely wonderful career,” Scott said.
