Hardy, Diana J., 1958-
Dates
- Existence: March 12, 1958 -
Biographical Information
Diana Hardy is one of the first women firefighters in Indiana. Originally from Logansport (Indiana), she attended Ivy Tech Community College after high school to train as a dental assistant. During this time, she became interested in the EMT field and while earning her associate’s degree, she became a certified EMT. She applied for a position as EMT at the Wabash Township Fire Departmen; however, this department required its EMTs to have training as firefighters. She then became an active volunteer at the Wabash Township Fire Department, and became increasingly interested in fire service. In 1981, she became the first woman to join the Purdue Fire Department. Hardy remained at Purdue for 32 years, bearing witness to many changes within the department and the field, including the hiring of more women. In 2014, at her retirement ceremony, she was presented with a Sagamore of the Wasbash Award, the highest award that can bestowed by the governor of Indiana. It was presented to her by State Representative Sheila Klinker and State Senator Ron Alting. In addition to being one of Indiana’s first female firefighters, she was also the longest serving Purdue firefighter at the time of her retirement.