Ind. chief arrested for intoxicated driving after crashing during emergency call

BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. — Elizabethtown Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Thomas Nienaber was arrested on March 9 for operating a vehicle while intoxicated after overturning a department vehicle while responding to a structure fire.

Deputies found the vehicle on its side in a residential driveway, with Nienaber trapped inside. Witnesses reported that the truck had its lights and sirens activated before leaving the roadway and rolling over, FOX 59 reported.

After being freed by firefighters, Nienaber exhibited signs of alcohol impairment. He was transported to Columbus Regional Hospital for a blood draw and subsequently arrested on preliminary OWI charges. WTHR reported Nienaber has since been released on a $2,500 bond.

The incident report has been forwarded to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office for further review.

Fitness & Health

‘Haven’t we ALL responded to a call drunk before?’ Nope. But it’s a real problem.

Even if we haven’t done so ourselves, we certainly know someone who has – and yet we ignore this blatantly obvious issue

May 09, 2022 11:43 AM

 · 

Billy Goldfeder

Read next

Trending

Recruitment and Retention

‘Lights, camera, action!': 5 types of fire service recruitment videos

There are several ways to approach your recruitment efforts; which is the best option for your department?

October 26, 2025 10:21 PM

 · 

Rachel Engel

Emergency Management

State emergency managers sound alarm over new rules, delays for FEMA disaster grants

Grant cuts, new rules and a shutdown freeze are stalling hires and training, putting disaster readiness at risk

October 25, 2025 08:00 AM

Firefighting History

Pa. fire museum reopens after $1M renovation funded by American Rescue Plan

After a 13-month closure, the historic Reading Area Fire Museum building has reopened with new upgrades

October 25, 2025 12:00 PM

Legislation and Funding

Mo. city launches childcare aid program for first responders through $3M state partnership

A new Tri-Share-style initiative will cover two-thirds of childcare costs for Kansas City police, firefighters and EMS workers

October 26, 2025 08:00 AM