Gary Mayor Jerome A. Prince today selected Division Chief and former Acting Deputy Chief Mark Terry to lead the Gary Fire Department, according to a release from the Mayor’s Office. Chief Terry, who joined the fire department 39 years ago today, replaces Sean O’Donnell, who returned to the
firefighting ranks.
Mayor Prince expressed his full confidence in Chief Terry, who has served in a wide range of capacities, from paramedic to Engineer Firefighter, Battalion Chief, Emergency Medical Services Director and more. Prince thanked outgoing Chief O’Donnell for
heading the department since the first day of his Administration.
“Chief Terry has a remarkable record of amazing service in the Gary Fire Department, and I know our residents and businesses, our firefighters and our EMTs are in great hands,” Mayor Prince said. “And, I’m grateful for Sean O’Donnell’s hands-on leadership of the department. You don’t often see the top leaders of large departments continue to fight fires, but he often did.”
Chief Terry thanked Mayor Prince for the opportunity to take the top leadership spot, and he praised his department for their commitment and their diligence.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to lead the men and women of the Gary Fire Department, and I really look forward to working with them to conquer the challenges facing all of us,” Chief Terry said. “Being a firefighter is more than just a job. It’a calling, and we have a family of brave people who have dedicated to their lives to helping others.”
Mr. O’Donnell thanked Mayor Prince, who named him as chief when he took office in January 2020, for the opportunity to serve at a higher level, and said he’s looking forward to continuing his career protecting the city. “Thanks to Mayor’s decision to select me as Gary Fire Chief, I’ve been able to experience and learn many things that helped me truly grow as a leader,” Mr. O’Donnell said. “I’ve spent my whole career here in Gary and I am committed to making Gary a safe place to call home.”
