FIRE CHIEF

Josh Ferrenburg

Josh is a third-generation firefighter following in the footsteps of both his grandfather and father who were long time members of Columbus Township Fire & Rescue.

Josh began in the fire service in 2005 when he joined what was then Jonesville Fire Department in southern Bartholomew County as a volunteer firefighter. After he and his wife moved to Columbus in 2006, Josh brought his desire to volunteer and joined Columbus Township Fire & Rescue.

Josh proved himself quickly and was promoted to Lieutenant within a year. In 2010, when the fire department created a career staff program to help meet the ever-growing needs of Columbus Township, Josh was again promoted to Captain over the career staff. During his time with Columbus Township Fire & Rescue, Josh was able to earn his EMT-B, Firefighter I and II, and Fire Officer along with several technical rescue certifications.

In 2011, Josh joined the US Army and he and his family were stationed in Germany, where he received two Army Commendation Medals and three Army Achievement Medals for his work in logistics both on base in Germany and during his tour in Afghanistan.

When Josh exited the Army in 2014, he was hired by Salem Fire Department where he and his wife and three daughters moved to be closer to family. During his time in Salem, Josh held the positions of firefighter and training coordinator. After three years of service in Salem, Josh and his family moved back to Columbus, and he rejoined Columbus Township Fire & Rescue in 2019 as a career firefighter. During his time back with Columbus Township, Josh continued his fire certification training by achieving his Instructor 2 and additional technical rescue certifications. In addition to certifications, Josh went back to college where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Business from Columbia Southern University in 2023.

After returning to Columbus Township Fire & Rescue, Josh worked his way through the ranks from firefighter to Division Chief. After serving as Interim Fire Chief in March 2024, he was appointed to the position of Fire Chief on April 3, 2024.