Batesville Fire & Rescue Hires First Full-Time Female Firefighter

A historic moment in the fire department's history.

Lisa Jennings is the first full-time female firefighter in Batesville Fire & Rescue history. Photo provided. 

(Batesville, Ind.) - Batesville Fire & Rescue has hired its first full-time female firefighter. 

Lisa Jennings was sworn in by Batesville Mayor Mike Bettice at the City Council meeting on Monday. 

Jennings will officially service as a firefighter and paramedic. She previously served as an EMT/Paradmedic with Ripley County EMS since 2013. She is also a member of UC Health Air Care & Mobile Care Special Events Team in Cincinnati.

While Batesville Fire & Rescue has had and currently does employ several female part-time EMT's and volunteer firefighters, Jennings is the first full-time firefighter since the fire department was established in 1887. 

“I am really excited to the have the opportunity to utilize the education I obtained in fire school in addition to my paramedic background,” Jennings said.

Jennings received her education from the University of Cincinnati, where she earned an Associates Degree in EMT Paramedic Science in 2017. She also achieved her State of Indiana Firefighter certification in 2018. 

Lisa resides in Bright with her husband, Dave, and four children, Brooke, Tiffany, Brad and Jake.