Paoli, Indiana First Responders

08/30/2026

UPDATE: LOCATED AND SAFE

The missing juvenile has been located and is safe. We sincerely appreciate everyone who shared the information and assisted in helping bring her home safely.

08/27/2026

Please join us in wishing our honorary firefighter, Steve Hankins , a very Happy 74th Birthday!

At 74, Steve has seen a lot of candles, but luckily, he knows a few firefighters in case things get out of control!

Steve, we appreciate your friendship and continued support of the Paoli Fire Department. We hope you have a fantastic birthday!

08/24/2026

On August 23, 2026, a Paoli Police Department officer was conducting routine patrol when he observed a vehicle associated with prior information involving suspected illegal narcotics activity. The officer continued to observe the vehicle and identified traffic and registration violations before conducting a traffic stop.

During contact with the driver, the officer detected the odor of ma*****na coming from inside the vehicle. The search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of suspected ma*****na, a suspected psilocybin mushroom, and multiple items of drug paraphernalia.

The driver was taken into custody and transported to the Orange County Jail on the listed charges.

This investigation is another example of the Paoli Police Department's continued drug interdiction efforts. Our officers are actively working to identify and intercept illegal drugs moving through our community, whether that information comes from ongoing investigations, citizen complaints, traffic enforcement, or proactive patrol.

08/22/2026

PRESS RELEASE

The Paoli Police Department recently conducted multiple drug-related investigations that resulted in arrests, the ex*****on of search warrants, arrest warrants, and the seizure of illegal narcotics and other evidence associated with drug activity.

These investigations developed through information received by our department, observations made by officers, and evidence discovered during the course of their investigations. Officers obtained and executed search warrants when appropriate and located evidence associated with the possession and distribution of illegal narcotics.

As a result of these investigations, multiple individuals were taken into custody and are facing various drug-related and other criminal charges.
We are intentionally limiting the specific details being released at this time, as portions of these investigations remain ongoing.

The Paoli Police Department wants to make one thing clear: combating the possession and distribution of illegal drugs in our community remains one of our highest priorities.

Drug activity does not only affect those directly involved. It contributes to theft, violence, impaired driving, child neglect, and many other issues that negatively impact families and the overall safety of our community.

Our officers will continue to investigate information regarding illegal narcotics, pursue investigative leads, obtain search warrants when probable cause exists, and work with our local prosecutors, courts, and neighboring law enforcement agencies to hold those responsible accountable.

We also recognize the important role our community plays in these investigations. Information provided by citizens can be extremely valuable in identifying locations and individuals involved in illegal drug activity. We encourage anyone with information regarding the possession or distribution of illegal narcotics in our community to contact the Paoli Police Department.

We appreciate the continued support of our community and the dedication of the officers involved in these investigations.

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Sergeant Zack Cook!

The Paoli Police Department would like to congratulate Zack Cook on his promotion to the rank of Sergeant.

Sergeant Cook will be transitioning into a supervisory role with a primary focus on our evening and night shifts. This promotion will provide additional experienced leadership during hours when strong supervision, sound decision-making, and officer support are especially important.

Zack has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the Paoli Police Department and the community we serve. His experience, work ethic, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities have made him a valuable member of our department. In his new position, he will be responsible for helping supervise shift operations, providing guidance and support to officers, assisting with critical incidents, and ensuring our department continues to provide professional and effective law enforcement services to our community.

With this promotion, Zack will transition out of his current Detective assignment as he takes on the responsibilities of Sergeant. We appreciate his willingness to make this transition and adjust his schedule to help meet the current needs of the department.

Leadership in law enforcement is about more than rank. It requires accountability, professionalism, sound judgment, and a willingness to lead by example. We are confident Zack will bring those qualities to his new position and continue to be an asset to both our officers and the citizens of Paoli.
Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Zack Cook on his well-earned promotion. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow as a leader and serve our community in this role.

08/17/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Paoli Police Department

August 17, 2026

On August 15, 2026, officers with the Paoli Police Department conducted an investigation that resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of suspected illegal narcotics and other evidence.

The investigation began when Paoli Police officers traveled outside the Town of Paoli to serve an active arrest warrant on an individual who was also the subject of an ongoing narcotics investigation involving suspected drug activity affecting the Paoli community.

During the apprehension, officers developed probable cause to believe additional illegal narcotics and evidence of drug activity were located at the property. Officers secured the scene and contacted the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office. A search warrant application was subsequently prepared, reviewed by the prosecutor, and presented to the Orange Circuit Court. A judge reviewed the application and authorized the search warrant.

During the ex*****on of the search warrant, officers located and seized evidence that included:

- Multiple prescription medications that were not prescribed to the occupants of the residence
- A digital scale that produced a presumptive positive field-test result for methamphetamine
- Additional items believed to be associated with illegal drug activity

As a result of the investigation, two individuals were arrested and transported to the Orange County Jail. Charges associated with the investigation include multiple counts of Possession of a Legend Drug, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Paraphernalia. One of the individuals was also being held on the previously issued warrant from another Indiana county.

The Paoli Police Department wants the public to understand that one of our highest priorities is combating the possession and distribution of illegal narcotics within our community. Drug activity does not stop at the Town limits, and neither will our investigative efforts.

When we develop information that an individual is believed to be distributing illegal narcotics in Paoli, we will follow that investigation wherever the evidence leads. If that means traveling outside our Town to locate and apprehend individuals believed to be bringing or selling illegal drugs in our community, we will do so while working within our legal authority and in cooperation with the appropriate agencies.

We will continue to aggressively investigate drug activity, pursue those responsible for supplying illegal narcotics to our community, and work with our local and regional law-enforcement partners to protect the citizens of Paoli.

We also encourage members of the public to report suspected drug activity. Information provided by citizens can play an important role in developing investigations and identifying individuals involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics.

The Paoli Police Department appreciates the continued support of our community and the cooperation of the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office, Orange Circuit Court, Orange County Jail, and our law-enforcement partners.

Pictured
Erica King, 45, of Paoli
Cheyenne Andis, 41, of Paoli

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/17/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/17/2026

Paoli Police to increase impaired driving enforcement ahead of Labor Day

Paoli — As summer winds down, Paoli PD is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national enforcement campaign, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Through the Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP), an ICJI initiative that provides federal funding for local traffic safety enforcement, officers statewide will work overtime beginning August 19 through September 7, 2026, to identify and stop motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
“Our officers are seeing the consequences of impaired driving far too often,” said Chief Sanders. “As we enter the final weeks of summer, we’re asking every driver to make responsible decisions. A sober ride isn’t just the safest option—it’s the choice that saves lives.”

Preliminary data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that in 2025, nearly 23% of Indiana’s traffic fatalities involved alcohol, and more than 41% involved drug impairment.
“Impaired driving continues to be one of the most serious threats on our roadways, and we’re focused on reducing these tragedies through education and enforcement,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “This year’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign reminds everyone that impaired driving is preventable. When you choose a sober ride, you’re helping protect your community and ensuring everyone makes it home safely.”

In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although drivers can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired.

Have a Plan Whether You're Driving, Riding, or Hosting:
• Before drinking, plan a safe and sober ride home.
• Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they've been drinking.
• If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure all your guests have a sober ride home.
• If you see an impaired driver, call 911. Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, administered by ICJI, is supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

08/15/2026

08/12/2026

Paoli Fire Department – Structure Fire Response

Paoli Fire Department and Southeast Fire were dispatched to a residence just off County Road 250 South for a reported house fire.

Engine 142 arrived on scene approximately seven minutes after dispatch and found a working fire involving a single-story residence with a basement, with heavy fire conditions and flames extending through the roof.

Engine 142’s crew immediately initiated an interior fire attack in an effort to bring the fire under control. As fire conditions progressed and portions of the roof began to collapse, crews were withdrawn from the structure for firefighter safety and transitioned to a defensive exterior attack.

Firefighters continued suppression and overhaul operations, with crews operating on scene for approximately two hours before clearing the incident and returning to station.

The Paoli Fire Department would like to thank all of the responding agencies for their assistance, teamwork, and support throughout the incident.

Assisting Agencies:

- Southeast Fire
- Orange County Rural District 1 Fire
- IU Health
- Orange County REMC
- Indiana Natural Gas
- Orange County Emergency Management Agency
- Orange County Dispatch

Any questions regarding this incident may be directed to Southeast Fire Chief Mark Martin.

08/05/2026

We believe one of the most important things we can do, both as police officers and firefighters, is build positive relationships with the youth in our community. We want every child to know that we are here to help, to protect, and to be someone they can trust when they need us.

Over the past several days, we have been fortunate to participate in several wonderful back-to-school events with the Paoli Community School Corporation.

On August 3, we had the opportunity to attend the Popsicles with the Principal event at Throop Elementary. It was a great afternoon as students met their teachers, became familiar with the school and staff before the first day of classes, and enjoyed a popsicle. Our team was happy to help pass out popsicles, visit with families, and spend time getting to know the students. We had an absolute blast seeing all the smiles and excitement for the new school year.

We were also proud to take part in the Running Start program, where we assisted children and their families in selecting backpacks and school supplies to help them begin the school year prepared and confident. Programs like this make a meaningful difference for many families, and we were honored to play a small part in helping students get off to a successful start.

Today, we continued that commitment by welcoming students on their first official day of school. Our police officers, firefighters, and special guests Superman and Batman greeted students as they arrived, wishing them a great school year while handing out stickers, candy, high-fives, and plenty of smiles. Watching the excitement on the children's faces and seeing them interact with our first responders is something we will always cherish.

These moments go far beyond a simple greeting. Every positive interaction helps build trust, strengthens relationships, and reminds our children that their police officers and firefighters are approachable, caring, and always here to help. We hope these experiences leave a lasting impression and encourage every child to know they can turn to us whenever they need assistance.

We would like to thank the Paoli Community School Corporation for welcoming us into your schools and allowing us to be part of these special moments. We are also grateful to the teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and volunteers who work tirelessly to make these events possible.

Most importantly, thank you to all of the students for your smiles, excitement, and warm welcomes. We wish each and every one of you a safe, successful, and memorable school year. We can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll accomplish!

Have a fantastic school year, GO RAMS!