February 12, 2026
The Highlander Fire Protection District is proud to announce that several of our members were recently recognized in the Kentuckiana Prehospital Educational Consortium (KPEC) February Newsletter. The recognition follows a life-saving ice rescue performed on January 15th, highlighting the department’s commitment to elite training and rapid emergency response.
On January 15th, immediately following a full day of Ice Rescue training, crews were dispatched to a life-threatening emergency involving a female patient in a partially frozen pond.
Upon arrival, acting Battalion Chief Billy Klein heard screams for help from a wooded area nearly a quarter-mile from the road. Chief Klein located the victim, her daughter, and the family dog. While the daughter and the dog were safe, the elderly patient had been submerged in the freezing water for an unknown duration.
Captain Jeff Miller and Chief Klein entered the icy water to reach the patient. Supported by Safety Officer Kody Macon, the team successfully extricated the woman and moved her to safety.
The efficiency of the coordinated effort was remarkable: less than 15 minutes elapsed from initial patient contact to the moment the patient was inside the ambulance receiving advanced life support.
Regional Recognition
KPEC highlighted this incident not only for the bravery shown but for the clinical excellence and speed of the “training-to-reality” transition. At last report, the patient has had a remarkable recovery.
Personnel Recognized for their actions on the scene:
Jake Barnes, Fire Chief
Brandon Alexander, Deputy Chief
Billy Klein, Captain (Acting Battalion Chief)
Kody Macon, Safety/Training
Jeff Miller, Captain
Nate McClure, Sergeant
Zach Simms, Firefighter/AEMT
Trevor Combs, Firefighter/Paramedic
Daniel Dicken, Firefighter/AEMT
