Acting Fire Chief Named Grand Marshal For Pierceton Days Parade

PIERCETON – Pierceton Acting Fire Rescue Chief Jared Smith is the grand marshal for the 2026 Pierceton Days parade.
“This year, we intentionally selected Pierceton (Acting) Fire Rescue Chief Jared Smith as our grand marshal. More than anything, we wanted to shine a light on the incredible volunteers who protect our community,” said Madison King, Pierceton Days Festival coordinator. “Like many volunteer departments, Pierceton Fire Rescue has faced significant budget reductions while also experiencing a decline in volunteers. Every firefighter serves our community while balancing full-time careers, family responsibilities and countless hours of volunteer service. They have struggled to secure funding for equipment that is critical to protecting our residents during fires and emergency situations. Despite reaching out to local businesses for assistance, the support simply hasn't been enough.”
Because of that, the Pierceton Days Festival Committee made a conscious decision to make this year's festival a significant fundraising opportunity for the fire rescue department. Earlier this year, the committee volunteered at their annual fish fry, and throughout the festival they've created several ways for the department to generate funds, King said.
Smith has been with the fire department since the end of 2016 and has been acting chief since February, he said. He said he grew up hanging around the fire department since his father, Chauncey, was a member of the fire department. Chauncey has since retired.
According to the Pierceton Fire Rescue Facebook page, Smith’s mother, Aleta, also served on the auxiliary.
Smith said his qualifications include certifications as an EMR, Firefighter I & II, Fire Officer Strategy and Tactics and Instructor I.
When he was named the parade’s grand marshal, he wasn’t expecting it as he just does his thing.
“It was quite a shock,” he said.
Smith said he hopes him being the grand marshal sheds some light on the fire department and what they do. Pierceton is a smaller town and the fire department has one of the higher call stats in the county, as they have an average of over 500 runs a year.
He also said a lot of the funds for the department comes from taxes, but the money only goes so far. The fire rescue is in need of new equipment, including a new fire hose, among other equipment.
King said there will be fundraiser opportunities to help raise money for the fire rescue, including a free-will donation sausage, egg and pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. and the cornhole tournament Saturday. There will also be car smash fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting the fire rescue.
When it comes to Pierceton Days, Smith said the biggest thing he is looking forward to is being out with community members. He is also looking forward to the cornhole tournament.