Firefighters are often humble by nature despite the life-saving work and critical services they provide to their communities. Brad Lucas is no exception, reflecting on his 40-year career as a firefighter in his hometown of Seymour, Indiana with a mix of humility and gratitude. 

"Growing up," he shared, "my grandfather, my dad, my uncle – they were all part of the volunteer fire department in our tiny town. I practically grew up at the firehouse, watching them work." This early exposure instilled in him a sense of duty and respect for the vital role firefighters play, solidifying a deep connection to the profession that ignited his passion from a young age. 

Mentorship also played a crucial role throughout Brad's career. "I learned from the best," he emphasized. "Older firefighters, they took me under their wing, showed me the ropes, and taught me the importance of teamwork and situational awareness." In turn, Brad later became a mentor to other younger firefighters, emphasizing attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge. "Don't expect to learn everything overnight," he advised them. "This is a lifelong learning process." 

Carrying on a legacy 

Brad's career as a firefighter and the skills he mastered along the way continue to serve him well in his personal life and inspire his continued service to his community. "It's not just about fighting fires," he reflected. "It's about serving your community, being there for people in their time of need." 

Since retirement, Brad has redirected his dedication to community into civic engagement, serving as a city councilman and contributing to various community initiatives including Safe Haven Baby Boxes. This non-profit organization offers a compassionate and secure option for mothers unable to care for their newborns to securely and anonymously surrender their infants to medical personnel. 

"The day we received our first baby," he recalled, "it was a mixture of emotions – sadness, relief, and a profound sense of gratitude that we could make a difference." This experience underscored the profound impact that even a single act of service can have on the lives of others. For Brad, it was just another chapter in a lifetime of caring for his community. "I felt a responsibility to continue serving," he explained. "I've been fortunate to have had a fulfilling career, and I wanted to give back to the community that had given me so much." 

Embracing the next chapter 

Brad enjoys retirement and the freedom it brings, including chances to enjoy the playful side of  life. "I enjoy the occasional lottery ticket," he admitted with a smile, “...it's a small way to participate and dream a little bigger." 

And while the potential for a big win is always exciting, Brad's unwavering commitment to protect and enrich the lives of those around him remains his primary focus. Not just to his own family, including his four children and grandchildren, but his neighbors, friends, and all residents of Seymour, a place he cherishes and appreciates for its natural beauty, the friendliness of the people, and the strong sense of civic pride that permeates the town. "It's a great place to live and raise a family," he shared. "I wouldn't trade it for the world.” 

The Hoosier Lottery is thrilled to share Brad's story with all of you, a true testament to the spirit of service that extends beyond career to improving the lives of others in all facets of life. With the added security provided by his pension, Brad now has the freedom to pursue his civic interests alongside personal ones, too—from traveling to Kenya to attending his grandchildren's sporting events—and allowing him to fulfill his lifelong pursuit of making a positive impact on others, which serves as an inspiration to all.