INDIANAPOLIS – The Wayne Township Fire Department and firefighters throughout the state are mourning the death of Richard “Hank” Potter.
Potter, who passed away from cancer according to the Wayne Township Fire Department on Tuesday, had worked for the fire department since December 1999 as an engineer. Prior to his hiring, Potter was a volunteer firefighter with the department for 12 years.
Throughout his career, Potter was awarded the Medal of Bravery, the medal of Merit, the Community Service Award and seven-unit commendations.
According to the department, Potter always worked an off-duty job, whether at Rolls Royce as a Firefighter or leading the Knox Key control system for the department. Around the station, he was known as the guy who could drive anything.
Potter was a veteran who served in Afghanistan. He served in the Indiana National Guard for 25 years.
The Wayne Township Fire Department shared their condolences to Potter’s wife Gwyn and their three sons, Christopher, Caden and Reilley Potter.
A memorial fund has been established at the Indianapolis Firefighters Credit Union to assist the family in place of flowers.
Potter is considered a line of duty death and he will receive full department honors, according to the fire department.
-
Speedway Police searching for missing 15-year-old girl last seen June 16
Jaylena Smith, a 15-year-old Black female, was last seen on the west side of Indianapolis in Speedway on June 16, 2026, between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Terrific Tuesday, high heat and humidity return by the weekend
Beautiful weather for today with sunny skies and low humidity. Spotty showers and storms through the end of the week and weekend.
Clark scores 24, Kelsey Mitchell adds 22 and the Fever beat the Mercury 86-77
Caitlin Clark had 24 points and nine assists, Kelsey Mitchell scored 22 points, and the Indiana Fever overcame a 13-point, first-quarter deficit to beat the Phoenix Mercury 86-77 on Monday night.
Students arrested in Philippines school shooting that kills 3, wounds 20
Two students armed with hand guns opened fire in a high school in the central Philippines on Monday, killing three fellow students and wounding at least 20 others, police said.
