Third Generation Firefighter Announces Retirement as Dillsboro Fire Chief

Public service is big in the Heitmeyer family.

(Dillsboro, Ind.) - Tim Heitmeyer is thankful for being able to serve the community. 

On Sunday, the third generation firefighter announced his retirement as Dillsboro Fire Chief. 

"I want to thank my family for all they gave up to allow me to serve: essentially being ON CALL 24/7 365 days a year of sleepless nights, missed family meals and holidays taking time away from my own family the help other families in their time of need," said Heitmeyer in a Facebook post. 

Heitmeyer served as the Dillsboro Fire Chief in 2012 and from 2014 through 2023. He got his start at the Dillsboro Fire Department in 1981. At that time, they had a roster of 35 members and a waiting list of others wanting to join. 

Current by-lays state that upon turning 65 you may no longer hold an officer position within the department or be a voting member. 

Heitmeyer says he will still be allowed to respond to fire calls as long as he feels capable, but since he is turning 65 this month, he must retire as fire chief. 

"I am proudly a part of a four generation fire fighter family as my Grandfather James A. Heitmeyer was a firefighter and Fire Chief at Dillsboro for many years in the 1960s, My father was a firefighter and Fire Chief many years in the 70s and 80s and my son Kristopher was a firefighter and Captain in Dillsboro many years and is currently the Assistant Fire Chief of the Bright Fire Department in northern Dearborn County. I also have a nephew Davin Heitmeyer who is a career Professional Firefighter in the City of Houston, Texas. I am very proud of what these men have done and those who continue to serve," said Heitmeyer in a Facebook post. 

He added that he encourages all able body residents of Dillsboro and the surrounding area to serve in your community. 

"If your looking for a reason to volunteer, for anything, no matter what it is, or for how long, think of the impacts you'll have on yourself and the people you serve for and with. Dillsboro offers so many volunteer opportunities if your not a fire fighter prospect, Dillsboro Main Street, Dillsboro Civic Club, and many many more," said Heitmeyer.