GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Fire Territory has promoted a veteran member of the department to be the new fire marshal.
Steven Kropacek, a native of Chicago who has been with the department for over 20 years, takes over from his mentor, Brian Lott, who was recently promoted to chief.
Kropacek’s experience in firefighting began in August 1997 as a member of the industrial fire brigade at Navistar. In March 1998, Kropacek was hired as a volunteer firefighter with the Greenfield Fire Department. He became a full-time firefighter with the department in January 2000.
“I really do enjoy fire investigation — something I’ve been doing since 2000,” Kropacek said. “I also enjoy inspections and getting out and meeting the community and learning about our businesses.”
The fire marshal is responsible for fire inspections; determining the cause of fires; arson investigations; and public education. The fire marshal works closely with police agencies to solve crimes that are a result of fire.
“The fire marshal is the one the public has a lot of interaction with, and there’s a big responsibility in educating and letting people know about fire safety,” Kropacek said.
Corey Breese, public information officer for fire territory, describes Kropacek as a great choice for the department.
“He’s basically been Chief Lott’s right hand with the fire prevention and investigations for years,” Breese said. “He’s very qualified and passionate about the job.”
Kropacek holds an associate degree in fire science and a bachelor of science degree in fire administration and fire investigation.
The promotion is a logical next step for Kropacek, who has dedicated his life’s work to fire safety and serving others.
Kropacek has been a fire inspector with the department since 2016 and a fire investigator since 2011. Some of the organizations he’s involved in include the Order of the Sword and Shield, a professional and academic honor society for people in homeland security; a member of the Fire Inspectors Association of Indiana and the International Association of Arson Investigators; and program coordinator for the Greenfield Fire Territory’s Child Fire Setter Program, which works with children who have set fires, played with fire or are curious about fire. He also has been a court-appointed special advocate for children and has also been a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success, a leadership honor society.
Kropacek has also been recognized a finalist the 2019 Outstanding Fire Service Professional of the Year; and was a Volunteer Child Advocate of the Year in 2014.
