GOSHEN, Ind. — Former Goshen Fire Chief Dan Sink received the Sagamore of the Wabash on Friday during a ceremony at Central Fire Station.
The Sagamore of the Wabash ranks among Indiana’s highest civilian honors. Gov. Mike Braun awarded Sink for decades of public service and leadership in Goshen.
Family members, firefighters, city officials and former colleagues gathered Friday afternoon to celebrate Sink’s 43-year career with the Goshen Fire Department.
Sink retired in 2024 after serving 19 years as chief, the most in department history.
Dan Sink receives Sagamore of the Wabash
State Rep. Joanna King presented the award during the ceremony. King said Sink embodied the values behind the Sagamore of the Wabash honor.
“Chief Danny Sink represents the very spirit of the award,” King said.
According to the nomination process outlined during the ceremony, former Goshen Mayor Jeremy Stutsman and former Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County executive director Kevin Deary nominated Sink for the recognition.
Stutsman praised Sink’s calm leadership style and dedication to the community.
“People knew that and felt that because they trusted him,” Stutsman said. “He always led with a really calm demeanor and just managed the situation at hand.”
Current Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty also attended Friday’s ceremony.
“Chief Sink devoted more than four decades to protecting Goshen families and mentoring generations of firefighters,” Leichty said. “His leadership helped shape the culture of our department and left a lasting impact on this community. Goshen is safer and stronger because of his service.”
Stutsman also recalled Sink’s steady support during his years as mayor.
“When I was mayor, he was always one of the first ones to call and say, ‘Hey, how are you doing? Anything I can do for you?’” Stutsman said. “That meant a lot to me over all those years.”
Sink thanked those involved in the nomination process and reflected on his career with the department.
“For me, and my 43 years here, it personally validates all the work and dedication,” Sink said. “That’s incredibly humbling.”
Under Sink’s leadership, the department expanded firefighter training, modernized equipment and partnered with Goshen Community Schools to create the RedHawk Fire Academy.
Friday’s ceremony celebrated Sink’s decades of service and his lasting impact on the Goshen Fire Department and community.