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For nearly 37 years, the city of Indianapolis was protected by the dedication and steady hand of Mack Mullins, a retired firefighter whose commitment to public service defined his life and career. From his time with the Marine Corps to the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), and now in his retirement, Mack’s service is a testament to his work ethic and passion for protecting others.
Mack's journey of service began long before he pulled on his first fire coat. After enlisting in the Marine Corps at the age of 20, he spent four years serving across the nation, culminating in a highly sensitive post at the National Military Command Center in the Pentagon. There, he worked as a physical security guard and was stationed near the system for nuclear response activation. Following his time in D.C., he taught marksmanship at Quantico, Virginia, before separating from service in 1978.
This background in high-stakes environments prepared him perfectly for the next chapter of his life. Starting his IFD career in February 1986, Mack would serve almost 37 years in a profession he describes as a "perfect fit" for his personality.
"I've always been a person who likes to serve the public, and I like challenges. I'm a person who, the more critical the situation, the calmer I get, and the more sound the decisions I make."
Mack rose through the ranks, starting as a recruit before moving up to engineer on a ladder truck and serving on a squad before being promoted to Lieutenant and then Captain. In his most significant role, he served a key leadership position as Executive Officer to the Battalion Chief, overseeing interior safety at fires and stepping in for the Chief when needed. He served the entirety of his career in Indianapolis, protecting communities from the near west side to the far southeast end of Perry Township.
When asked about his fondest memories, Mack’s reflections weren't about a specific call but about the bonds he forged with fellow firefighters. He highlighted the camaraderie they shared, comparing the deep, mutual understanding to being in a "foxhole."
"The personal relationships you build with the people you work with...that's probably what I remember most fondly. Just the camaraderie, the lack of ego among firefighters, and just the shared experiences both on and off duty."
This sense of family is what he valued most, and is a testament to the selfless, team-oriented nature of the job. For aspiring firefighters, Mack stresses the most important criteria for success: a strong desire to serve, along with a charitable attitude and the ability to find forgiveness for others during difficult moments.
Mack’s decision to retire in January 2023 was made easy in large part by the financial security of his pension, which is supported in part by annual contributions from the Hoosier Lottery.
This solid foundation, coupled with his strategic financial planning, which included paying off his home, has allowed Mack to embrace a vibrant, active retirement. He now dedicates his time to competitive shooting with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), golfing, riding his bike and traveling. He also indulges his passion for building things, using his 50 years of experience in contracting, remodeling and handyman work during the winter months to fund his summer activities.
Mack’s story is a powerful reminder that public service, whether as a Marine or a firefighter, requires immense personal sacrifice. The reliable support of a pension, in part funded by the Hoosier Lottery, ensures that heroes like him are secure and can enjoy the well-deserved fruits of their labor.
