After graduating from Crothersville High School in 2017, Brady Riley didn’t know what he wanted to do.
But he was sure of one thing. Whatever field he ended up going into, it would have to involve helping other people.
During college, Riley took an emergency medical technician course and received his emergency medical services certification.
He began working part time for Jackson County EMS in January 2018 and graduated from Indiana University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]
"I explored law enforcement and was eventually talked into joining the Crothersville-Vernon Township Volunteer Fire Department," he said.
After gaining experience as a firefighter, Riley knew he had found the right career in fire service.
While working at the Crothersville-Vernon fire department, Riley began training and earned his Indiana Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications.
He gained further experience working part time at the Scottsburg Fire Department and then full time for Columbus Regional Health’s ambulance service.
Now at 21, Riley has joined the ranks at the Seymour Fire Department. He was sworn into duty by Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson during a Seymour Board of Public Works and Safety meeting Sept. 10.
Joining him for the swearing-in ceremony were his girlfriend, Jayla Helton, who held the Bible and his parents, Bobby and Suzie Riley.
Monday was his first official day on the job.
"I feel that I bring a strong work ethic to the Seymour Fire Department along with dedication and loyalty," he said.
Riley will spend time learning SFD’s procedures and protocols and getting familiar with their equipment.
He’s excited about the ongoing training he will receive as a first class firefighter.
"I enjoy training," he said. "Training allows you to improve and be comfortable with your skills. You never know when an emergency will occur, so training allows for you to be ready when you have to respond to one."
He’s also excited about the opportunity to work alongside and learn from his fellow firefighters at SFD.
"I’m looking forward to working with a great group of professional firefighters," he said.
But the best part of the job is having the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
"Helping those in the community is something that I enjoy," he said.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Riley file” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: Brady Riley
Age: 21
Hometown: Crothersville
Education: Graduated from Crothersville High School in 2017 and received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Indiana University in 2019
Job: Newest firefighter with the Seymour Fire Department
Past experience: Worked for Jackson County Emergency Medical Services, Crothersville-Vernon Township Volunteer Fire Department, Scottsburg Fire Department and Columbus Regional Health’s ambulance service
Family: Girlfriend, Jayla Helton; Parents, Bobby and Suzie Riley of Crothersville
[sc:pullout-text-end]