Columbus has two new firefighters. Capt. Mike Wilson, spokesman for the Columbus Fire Department, says that Brandon Bartholomew and Casey Taylor will immediately begin a department training program. These firefighters will receive their shift and station assignments at the conclusion of the training program.

Bartholomew is a 28-year-old Columbus native. He has worked as a paramedic for Indianapolis EMS for five years, as a New Castle EMS for 1.5 years and volunteer at Whiteland Volunteer Fire Department and Columbus Township Fire Department. He has certifications in Technical Rescue Awareness, Hazardous Materials Operations and Awareness, and as a paramedic.

Taylor is a 27-year-old Edinburgh native. He worked with Edinburgh Fire and Rescue for nine years and Seals Ambulance Service for two years. He has certifications as an emergency medical technician, in Hazardous Materials Operations and Awareness, Technical Rescue Awareness and others.