From Lancer to Fire Chief: Justin Lollar Comes Home
Justin Lollar, a 1992 graduate of Edinburgh Community Schools, has come full circle—returning home to serve Edinburgh as the Fire Chief after retiring from the Franklin Fire Department.
Justin, married his high school sweetheart, Lori (Long) Lollar, who also graduated from ECSC in 1992. His commitment to service is backed by extensive training and education. Justin received his firefighter training through the Columbus Fire Department in 1993, graduated from the Columbus Hospital Paramedic Program in 1994, completed the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 2003, and earned an associate’s degree in Homeland Security–Public Safety from Ivy Tech in 2015.
When asked why he chose to stay in the Edinburgh area, Justin shared, “I love the small town feel and the sense of community that I get in Edinburgh. We have each other’s back because we know most people in town. We are a tight knit little community that shows a lot of pride and ownership especially in times of need.”
Justin credits his experience at Edinburgh Community Schools with shaping his work ethic and determination. “Attending a small school and being considered the underdogs at almost everything we participated in helped instill the desire to apply 100% effort into everything we did. This helped prove to everyone that we could compete and accomplish the same things the larger schools were accomplishing, we just did it on a smaller budget and with a smaller student body.
When asked which staff member had the greatest impact on his life, Justin pointed to his varsity basketball coach, Rick Bechtel. “My varsity basketball coach, Coach Bechtel, accepted nothing less than 100% effort each and every day while also expecting each and every player to always be respectful both on and off the court. Another expectation he instilled was for us to represent the team and the school with our very best foot forward. He placed a value on academics before athletics. I learned this the hard way my sophomore year but it's a life value that I carried with me and instilled in my own children as well.”
Basketball also introduced Justin to leadership. “Basketball taught me that hard work pays off.” He learned when you play as a team, good things will come and you will win as a team. During his senior year he served as one of the team captains. This was his first introduction into a leadership position. He feels this helped pave the way for his willingness to embrace leadership roles today.
Justin’s favorite teacher was Miss Deborah Hightshue, who taught French.
“I took all four years of French. I can’t speak a word of it today, but she made learning fun while still meeting the curriculum. She genuinely cared about every student and wanted everyone to succeed.”
And his favorite school memory?
“My locker was right beside the most beautiful girl in the whole school—Lori Long. Back then, lockers were assigned alphabetically, so Long was right next to Lollar. Bingo. I hit the jackpot. We were locker neighbors all through school, and today she’s my wife. Who knew locker assignments could shape a lifetime?”
Justin’s advice for Edinburgh students today would be to give 100% effort in everything they do. Dream BIG because the sky’s the limit. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and lean on family and friends when times get tough; adversities are temporary. And always stay true to yourself.
Sherri Sweet, Secretary to the Superintendent and School Board, profiles an ECHS alumnus once a month. To learn more about the Edinburgh School Corporation, its alumni and activities, visit ecsc.k12.in.us