A lifetime of unyielding dedication to emergency response drives Purdue Global graduate

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Growing up in rural Johnson County, Indiana, Michael Pruitt had hobbies and interests centered around emergency response. After becoming a volunteer firefighter at age 17, he knew immediately what his career path would be.

“I was hooked from the start,” Pruitt said. “Ever since that first experience as a volunteer, I knew that’s what I wanted to do the rest of my life.”

Fast-forward nearly 40 years and Pruitt is still hooked. He recently earned his Bachelor of Science in emergency management from Purdue Global — Purdue’s online university for working adults — and is looking to use what he learned to strengthen his abilities in firefighting and emergency response for his community and to further his career.

From farm to firehouse

Pruitt’s early life growing up on a farm was deeply rooted in family and community traditions. He enjoyed the labor and helping his family on the farm, but his true passion lay elsewhere, ever since getting that first taste of firefighting.

“Farming with my dad was becoming a challenge due to the tough times in agriculture,” Pruitt said. “And since I wasn’t yet old enough to pursue a full-time career in the fire service, I decided to join the Navy in 1987.”

At 20, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as an operations specialist on the USS South Carolina and participating in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. This experience, Pruitt believes, was instrumental in preparing him for his future career.

“The discipline, teamwork and leadership skills I developed during my service have been directly applicable to my work as a firefighter and emergency management professional,” he said.

Continuing a desire that never extinguished

Upon returning from the Navy, Pruitt resumed his role as a volunteer firefighter and embarked on a career in full-time firefighting. His journey took him from the Bargersville Community Fire Department to the Franklin Fire Department in 1993, and later to the Wayne Township Fire Department in Indianapolis. Over 20 years, Pruitt served in various roles, including fire officer, paramedic, division chief of special operations and public information officer.

Pruitt’s dedication to service extended beyond local duties. He became a member of the Indiana Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team, where he still serves as a safety officer, responding to numerous natural disasters across the U.S.

“My time in the Navy taught me how to stay calm and make critical decisions, which is vital in emergencies,” Pruitt said.

Pruitt’s firefighting career has come full circle. After retiring from the Wayne Township Fire Department in 2020, Pruitt returned home when he accepted the position of deputy fire chief of the Bargersville Community Fire Department, where he still currently serves, in addition to being elected Johnson County coroner in 2020. He was reelected in 2024.

Further education and personal growth

Despite his extensive career, Pruitt recognized the value of formal education.

“When I was younger, I loved school for the social aspect but wasn’t particularly interested in the academic side,” Pruitt said. “At that age, it was hard to understand how a good education could open doors for you.”

Pruitt did, however, begin to seek a degree early in his firefighter career, but family life and professional demands initially delayed his academic aspirations.

Pruitt’s long-standing connection to Purdue University, fostered by his rural upbringing and 4-H involvement, inspired him to pursue a degree through Purdue Global.

“I saw the opportunity to pursue my bachelor’s degree through Purdue Global in the field I was already working in,” Pruitt said. “It was finally my chance to earn a degree from Purdue, and at age 58, I achieved my goal of earning a Bachelor of Science in emergency management.”

His education at Purdue Global has had a profound impact on his career.

“The knowledge I gained throughout school has been invaluable in real-life situations,” Pruitt said. He believes that his enhanced understanding of disaster management has made him a better chief officer and administrator.

Preparing the next generation of emergency responders

With nearly four decades in emergency response, Pruitt shows no signs of slowing down.

“I’m always seeking out new challenges and goals in my career,” Pruitt said.

He recognizes that his extensive experience and education can do more than just further his own career.

“I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of emergency responders,” Pruitt said. “I believe in the importance of sharing knowledge and experience to ensure that our communities are protected by well-trained and motivated individuals.”

Pruitt underscored the importance of fire science, highlighting its role in understanding fire behavior, safety protocols and community risk factors.

“This field is constantly evolving, and staying informed is essential for protecting lives and property,” Pruitt said. “Purdue Global was able to help me further my education so that I can help guide the critical role of fire sciences moving forward.”

About Purdue Global

Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.