Autopsy findings not released
ISP investigate death of Versailles fire chief
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Indiana State Police, Versailles Post, are investigating the death of 36-year-old Richard Purvis.

According to information from the police, Purvis was found dead at his residence, 2511 West County Road 50 South, Versailles, on Tuesday evening, June 14.

Sgt. Randy Holt of the Ripley County Sheriff's Department had gone to the Purvis residence about 6:18 p.m. to serve court papers when he notice a burning smell coming from the home. He immediately contacted the Versailles Fire Department. The body of Purvis was discovered inside.

An autopsy was completed on Wednesday, June 15. However, according to Ripley County Coroner Eric Karsteter, "findings of the autopsy have not been released."

The Indiana State Police are being assisted in the investigation by officials from the Indiana Fire Marshal's Office, Roger Johnson, Rick Constable, and Bob Dean. Also assisting with the investigation are
officers from the Ripley County Sheriff's Department, Ripley County Deputy Coroner, Eric Karsteter, members of the Osgood and Versailles volunteer fire departments.

Services for Purvis are pending at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home, Versailles.

Purvis was currently the Fire Chief of the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department where he had been involved since he was 14 years old. He held a number of certifications through the fire department and was active at the state level. He was a member of the Ripley County Fire Chiefs Association, the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, had been a member of Rescue 69 where he served on the board of directors and former member of Task Unit One.

Described as a "great leader for the department" Purvis was instru
mental in obtaining a number of grants to upgrade the fire department and serve the community. "Richard worked hard to get his guys the best training possible and to make sure they had the equipment to do their job to the best of their ability," noted Lt. Chuck Gunter, who had worked alongside Purvis for a number of years. "Richard was a hard working man and will be sadly missed. Our department and community lost a great asset and a lot of knowledge with his death," he concluded.