Plain Township Names Next Fire Chief

The Plain Township Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the selection of Assistant Fire Chief Jack Rupp to lead the Plain Township Fire Department as its next Fire Chief. Assistant Chief Rupp will succeed current Plain Township Fire Chief John Hoovler upon his retirement on July 24.

Chief Hoovler has served Plain Township as Fire Chief for over 25 years. During his tenure the community and department have both grown from a small, semi-rural department to one capable of providing service to the more than 10,000 residents and a daytime population of over 20,000. On behalf of the whole community, the Trustees would like to thank Chief Hoovler for his dedicated service and wish him the best in his Retirement.

Chief Rupp joined Plain Township as Assistant Chief in January of 2002. Before that, he worked for the Madison Township Fire Department for 29 years, retiring as a shift commander in 2000. During that time, Chief Rupp also had 20 years of experience as a flight medic. He is a well-respected fire chief and recognized nationally for his knowledge and experience.

Chief Rupp has led a number of programs and initiatives at Plain Township over the past 18 years and will continue efforts with community stakeholders to make New Albany and Plain Township a safe place to live, work and learn.

The township posted the fire chief opening in March and received applications from 10 qualified candidates. Initial interviews were held which included 3 internal candidates and 2 from other organizations. Three finalists were interviewed including two internal candidates and one external. Ultimately, the Trustees felt that Assistant Chief Rupp’s blend of skills and community knowledge would best serve the Plain Township Fire Department and the community as its next leader.