06/23/2026
🔥 Welcome Recruit Shawn Lashbrook! 🔥
Shawn Lashbrook, 32, grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and now lives in Upland, Indiana with his wife Sarina. The couple will celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary this August and are busy raising two young children — daughter Jhetta (2½) and son Locke (6 months). Their home is also full of four-legged family members: two dogs, Luna and Julep, and a cat named Dezi.
Before entering the fire service, Shawn spent a decade as a college football coach, bringing the same competitive drive and leadership he learned as a standout athlete. He studied Exercise Science and Psychology at Taylor University and later earned his master’s degree from Ball State University. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. During his college playing days, Shawn was recognized as an All-American wide receiver.
The idea of becoming a firefighter first surfaced in the summer of 2024 when a friend shared his experience in the fire service. The challenge and purpose of the profession stuck with Shawn for the next year, and he knew that if he ever stepped away from coaching, it was a path he wanted to pursue.
He chose the Carmel Fire Department because he wanted to be surrounded by excellence and trained by the best, pushing himself to become the best firefighter he can be. When Chief Ray called to offer him a position in the recruit class, Shawn says he was filled with gratitude and excitement, thanking him for the opportunity and eager to get started.
So far in the academy, Shawn’s favorite part has been learning from the instructors, whose deep knowledge and wide range of real-world experience have been invaluable to the class. The biggest challenge has been balancing time between academy studies and his responsibilities at home with his wife and young children.
What’s been most rewarding, he says, is reaching a level of preparation where he feels confident caring for patients and serving as a capable EMT and firefighter. Through the process, he’s grown in confidence and communication — working with fellow first responders, medical professionals, and the patients he will serve.
On difficult days, Shawn stays motivated by remembering who he’s working for — his family at home and the families in the community who will depend on him during emergencies.
Looking ahead, he hopes to maximize his abilities within the department and has an interest in becoming a paramedic, as well as potentially contributing in training, education, and leadership roles in the future.
When he’s off duty, Shawn enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, woodworking, playing competitive sports, watching movies, and shooting. His favorite meal? Breakfast for dinner.
A fun fact about Shawn: he was born in California, but his family moved to Florida when he was just one year old after their home was destroyed in a wildfire — making his journey into the fire service feel like a full-circle moment.
If he had to describe himself in one word, it would be competitive. His advice to anyone considering the fire service: “Do it! It’s an incredible opportunity to serve and find real purpose in your work.”
For Shawn, serving Carmel means being held to the highest standards by the community and local government — a responsibility he considers both a privilege and an honor. And if you see him around town, don’t hesitate to say hello. As he puts it, “I love people — feel free to introduce yourself and don’t be a stranger.”
Welcome to the Carmel Fire Department, Shawn! 🚒🔥
