History

History of Hobart Fire Department

Hobart was a thriving community with a well organized town government, a sizable business district and a growing array of residences when the people of Hobart began to realize that spur-of-the-moment bucket brigades were inadequate fire protection. Led by interested citizens and business men, namely W.B. Owen, George Stocker, B.W. Strattan and Seward Lightner, meetings were held during the summer and fall of 1891 to determine a better system of fire protection. While no definite organization was at first accomplished, it was arranged to buy from Valparaiso an old hand pump and hose cart. This proved unsatisfactory and the town purchases a Howe hand pump at a cost of $1,000.00 in October.

With no organized fire department, however, a fire often found everyone at the scene of the disaster and the equipment still in the city barn. To circumvent this, Seward Lightner essayed to get together a regular volunteer fire department. He mentioned the project to Charles Borger, then in business on Main Street, and Charlie said, "You notify the fellows and we will meet here".

Every fellow contacted responded and an enthusiastic group crowded the harness shop on the evening of November 2, 1891, to band into Hobart’s Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Borger was elected president with A.J. Swanson to serve as secretary.

The following, with a notation of their ages, signed the original roster: C.A. Borger, 31

J.H. Carpenter, 29

F. Zediker, 24

Ed Odell, 31

Fred Thompson, 28

B.S. Barr, 31

S.A. Smith, 24

August Batterman, 24

Albert Wall, 26

William Waldeck, 22

A.J. Swanson, 23

Fred Rose, 25

William Bolt, 32

Ed Batterman, 35

Frank MacPherson, 31

John L. Fiester, 32

John Green, Jr., 32

Jake Fiester, 33

Frank Swanson, 29

Alwin Wild, 29

John Ahrens, 39

James Roper, Jr., 38

Willard Stevens, 22

E. Neuman, 24

John Killigrew

Fred Black

Ronney Shearer

L. Black

George Hadsell

E. Guyer

Pat O’Boyle

Adam Diedrick

C.Cory

John Hillman, 21

Charles Gruel, 31

S. Lightner

These, for the most part, were young businessmen or living close to the center of town. They paid dues to belong to the company and fines if they missed a fire without good excuse. When a member was forced to resign voluntarily or because he did not comply with the rigid rules of the company, he was immediately replaced. The names of Thomas Kelly, Herman Tabbert, Clarence Barnes, Jacob Kramer, H. Stevens, William Jahnke, Dell Brown, Dan Scholler, William Kostbade, Fred Werner, Albert Johnson, Frank Scharbach, William Alexander, Alex Ballantyne, and J.H. Conroy were soon added. The group was divided into three companies: Engine, Captained by Ed Batterman; Hook and Ladder, Captained by Fred Rose; and Hose Cart, Captained by B.S. Barr.

Fire Alarm

One of the first problems to be solved was a method of signaling the men when a fire broke out. At first, one person shouted to another up and down the street. In 1894, a huge bell weighing 525 pounds was purchased at a cost of $80.00 from a concern in Chicago and erected on a standard near the Scholler Implement Shop which was just across from the Scholler Blacksmith Shop on Third Street. This bell can be seen in the center of the birds-eye view of old Hobart shown on another page. This bell served until 1910 when the first steam siren was installed at the city’s light and water plant. When the city sold the plant, an electric siren was purchased and erected on a tower near the fire station.

Equipment

Various equipment for fire fighting and also uniforms and protective apparel for the firemen was purchased whenever the funds were raised by either the town or the volunteers themselves. Because of the area covered, the equipment was drawn by the men when a team was not handy, a second company was organized in "Canada" at Illinois and Georgianna Streets. This company was continued until the first motor driven truck was purchased. It was the duty of the first man at the station to commandeer the nearest team or automobile and attach the pumper and hose cart.

Proud indeed was the city of Hobart when the American LaFrance 500 gallon pumper engine was purchased in 1918. This truck was as an auxiliary to the American LaFrance 750 gallons pumper and booster tank streamlined truck which the city bought in 1940. An E. & J. resuscitator and inhalator was also added to the equipment in 1940, replacing an obsolete pulmotor. Hobart’s fire ladies are outfitted in the most modern protective clothing purchased by themselves from funds raised by their annual dances. The firemen are also protected by the city with accident insurance while they are on duty.

Water

After a few larger fires, the men saw the need of a better water supply than the various backyard pumps offered. Under the direction of the Fire Marshall J.H. Carpenter, cisterns were installed

by the town at strategic points. In 1898, the town built their own water plant and Hobart had it’s by the town at strategic points. In 1898, the town built their own water plant and Hobart had it’s first really adequate protection. A 125 foot brick and metal tower with a 60,000 gallon water capacity, 3 miles of 8, 6 and 4inch water mains and 30 fire hydrants were a real step forward.

Organization

The first "Firemens’ Ball" was held in 1893 to celebrate the second anniversary of the company. Since that time, the dances have been held, not only as a means of swelling the treasury of the company, but to commemorate the first step in organizing the fire fighters. Each Thanksgiving Season, the dances have proven to be "the" social event of the year.

In October 1967, during Fire Prevention Week, the Number 2 Hobart Fire Station was dedicated and put into service. In May 1974, moved into the new Fire Headquarters at 401 East 10th Street.

The equipment and manpower, as of 1976, was as follows:

Headquarters Station:

Pumper
55’ Snorkle
Heavy Duty Rescue
Boat & Trailer
Grass fire mini-pumper
Two fire prevention cars

Manpower: Fire Chief H. Richard Harrigan

Captain Harry D. Garling

Captain Lynn Weiler

Captain Evan Young

Lieutenant Dale Hensley

Lieutenant David Kietzman

Private Dennis Vanecek

Private Tom Teer

Private Richard Raymond

Private Jeffery Johnson

Private William Smeltzer

Private Andrew Penska

Private William Gravel

Private Steve Mast

Private Paul Polak

Station Number 2

Pumper
Inhalator car
Reserve Engine 3

Manpower: Captain Raymond Ludwig

Lieutenant Bruce Wilkinson

Lieutenant Thomas Zytko

Private Lonnie Brooks

Private Edward Trinosky

Private Keith Kennett

Part-Time Reserves

Thomas Potts

William Paulson

Vincent Boyd

Richard Hudspeth

David Mayer

Gordon Jones

James Schmelter

Leslie Doepping

Francis Ludwig

Carlos Bennett

Jerome Ribar

All equipment is 2-way radio equipped.

The Fire Prevention Bureau is under the direction of Captain Harry D. Garling and Lieutenant Dale Hensley.

The Hobart Fire Department has received, for Fire Prevention Activities, the following awards:

Honorable mention on International level for 12 years
First Place in Indiana 3rd Class cities from Chicago Commerce and Industry for 14 years
First Place in State of Indiana 10 years
Six Distinguished Achievement Awards
First Place as one of 10 best cities in the United States through the promotion of the Fire Department.
1976 Hobart Fire Protection Class reduced to 6 due to improved Fire Equipment & Manpower.

The Department, as of 1981, was as follows:

City of Hobart contracts with private ambulance service to provide one (1) BLS Ambulance for the city of Hobart.
City purchased Van style Ambulances housing Ambulance at Fire Station No.1 … Manpower provided by private Ambulance service
Fire department runs two (2) rescue trucks with Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) § Fire Department manpower remained at 24 Firefighters.
Ambulance service manpower was 6 EMT’s.

The Department, as of 1982, was as follows:

The Ambulance Service is made part of the Hobart Fire Department and run by the city of Hobart.
The city of Hobart purchased two (2) Ambulances.
The city of Hobart opened Station No. 3 where the EMS service would run one (1) BLS Ambulance for the city of Hobart.
Fire Department manpower remained at 24 Firefighters and 6 civilian EMT’s.

The Department, as of 1985, was as follows:

The fire department purchased a new rescue truck – Rescue 8
The fire department purchased a new Pumper from FMC – Engine 1

The Department, as of 1988, was as follows:

Chief H. Richard Harrigan retired after 38 years as Fire Chief.
Lieutenant Bruce Wilkinson was named Fire Chief with Steve Hoskins named Asst. Chief.
The manpower was at 24 firefighters and 6 EMT’s.

The Department, as of 1989, was as follows:

The Fire department purchased a new F-250 Ford Brush Truck
The Fire department purchased a new Breathing – Air compressor.

The equipment and manpower, as of 1992, was as follows:

Station No. 1 – Fire Headquarters

Pumper
Snorkle
Rescue Truck
Boat
Brush Truck

Station No. 2

Pumper
Rescue Truck

EMS Station

(2) Ambulances

City of Hobart was in the process of annexing a large portion of Ross Township which included the US Route 30 corridor. With this annexation the department would increases its staff and would require opening a south station.

The City of Hobart Fire Department starts hiring process to hire new firefighters and EMT’s to staff a new Fire station in the new annexed area of Hobart. The Fire Department also becomes an Advanced Life Support ambulance provider with Robert Scott as the E.M.S. Director

The equipment and manpower, as of 1996, was as follows:

Station No.1 – Fire Headquarters

Pumper
Snorkle
ALS Ambulance
Boat
Brush Truck

Station No. 2

Pumper
ALS Ambulance

Station No. 4

75’ Quint
Pumper
ALS Ambulance

FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER: Ray Ludwig (Fire Chief) Dale Hensley

Bruce Wilkinson

Steve Mast

Paul Polak

Terry Norman

Steve Hoskins

John Cordova

William Lashenik

Ron Schwuchow

Steve McKown

Keith Kerr (Asst.Chief) Tom Lashenik

Robert Ellenberger

William McCorkle

Jack Baker

Randy Smith (Asst.Chief) Fabian Martinez

Don Kepshire

Tom Castle

Patti Brazil

William Dillin

Mark Slonaker

Tod Elias

Robert Lamprecht

Joe Gospodarek

Dan Saitta

Jay Dee Prohosky

John Wall

Jim Jaracz

Brian Taylor

Michael Hott

Louis Donsbach

Jody Taylor

Robert Fields

Tim Tully

Robert Ashlock

Tom Colvin

Kevin Sneiderwine

John Christos

Rod Mosqueda

John Beebe

Roger Lane

Brian Kerr

Darren Sandilla

Brenda Bayer

Ryan Aguiano

Jon Gonzalez

Hector Garcia

2001

A year into the new millennium, Hobart Fire Department is still growing fast.

The beginning of the New Year started with new millennium badges. These badges were worn until the end of the year when they were retired as souvenirs.

The addition of a new station and the problems with staffing it was a challenge. Overtime was started to keep staffing levels at their proper levels.

One Firefighter was replaced this year.

No new members were added to the staff of this department, it now remains at 58 fulltime firefighters and one civilian EMT. We hope to see a much needed growth throughout the years to come.

During this past year, staffing within the department never fell below minimum levels at any station.

With the addition of the new Northeast side fire station No. 3 comes another improvement with its more expedient coverage, providing even better services within the city than before.

With the new millennium here, the department found a further need for new computers in the administrative offices along with new computers in the stations. With new State reporting requirement software and fire department managing software, the department will be able to track and report calls more efficient. Along with the software the station computers were set up to be able to call a central computer in order to complete reports at the stations and record them on one central computer. This equipment was purchased, and we are still hard at work programming all the needed information into the software.

Training has seen a constant change this year. A Probationary Firefighter class was held with the firefighter receiving over 200 hours of training before being assigned to a permanent turn and station. Along with this training, the on-duty firefighters received a minimum of 2 hours training every week. With the increase of demands on the firefighting force, training has become so important that a full time training instructor is now needed.

Annual inspections of city fire hydrants were done again by on-duty firefighters, and all fire hoses were tested.

This year Pre-Fire Plans were updated for every existing business in the city. These plans included a magnitude of information from the building’s construction to its occupancy. Drawings were done by on-duty firefighters to insure that in case of a fire they would have all the needed information at hand. These Pre-Fire Plans will be updated every year.

This year Automatic Defibrillators were purchased and placed in service on all Fire trucks.

The annual preventive maintenance program initiated three years ago has once again been a success. It has provided much needed service to the fire equipment, helping all equipment to stay on the road all year.

The Fire Prevention Bureau again was busy this year with plan reviews along with inspections of new construction, inspections of existing buildings, and public education programs. With the increased construction in the city, it has kept the bureau very busy. This increase has put such a demand on the staff that an additional person is needed.

The ambulance billing program that was re-formatted last year has continued to grow with the increase of EMS runs this year to a point that a part-time billing clerk was hired to help get this billing done more efficiently.

This year fire runs were Down slightly with a total of 701 calls. Out of these were 31 structure fires, 39 vehicle fires, 93 brush/rubbish fires, 34 burning complaints, 79 Haz-Mat, 236 other calls and 189 false alarms.

Major responses were Navarro Construction warehouse, & Assist to Lake Station Strip Mall Fire.

EMS runs again topped the calls for the department with 2336 calls. This was an increase of 234 calls over last year’s totals.

Ray Ludwig- hired in 1967- retired in 1998

Dale Hensley- hired in 1968 - retired in 1998

Keith Kerr- hired in 1982 - retired in 1999

Tim Tully- hired in 1994 - left in 1998

John Beebe- hired in 1995 - left in 1998

Brenda Bayer - hired in 1996 - left in 1996

Tim Barron - hired in 1995 - left in 1998

John Novath - hired in 1998 - left in 1999

Rick Boyd - hired in 1991 - left in 1999

Scott Swinford- hired in 1998 - left in 2000

The equipment and manpower, as of 2001, was as follows:

Station No.1 – Fire Headquarters

75’ Quint
Rescue Pumper
Brush Truck
Batt. Chief Car
ALS Ambulance

Station No. 2

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance

Station No. 3

Rescue Pumper

Station No. 4

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance
105’ Tower
3000gal Tanker
(2) Spare ALS Ambulances

FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER: Chief Paul R. Polak

Assistant Chief Steve S. Mast

Battalion Chief Terry Norman

Battalion Chief Steve Hoskins

Battalion Chief John Cordova, Jr.

Captain Steve McKown

Captain Robert Ellenberger

Captain Randal Smith

Lieutenant William Lashenik

Lieutenant Ron Schwuchow

Lieutenant Thomas Lashenik

Lieutenant William McCorkle

Lieutenant Jack Baker

Lieutenant Fabian Martinez, Jr.

Lieutenant Donald Kepshire

Lieutenant Thomas Castle

Lieutenant John Wall

Inspector/FF Patti Brazil

Firefighter William Dillin

Firefighter Mark Slonaker

Firefighter Tod Elias

EMS Director Robert Lamprecht

Firefighter Joe Gospodarek

Firefighter Dan Saitta

Prevention Director James Jaracz

Firefighter Jay Dee Prohosky

Firefighter Brian Taylor

Firefighter Jody Taylor

Firefighter Robert Fields

Firefighter Robert Ashlock

Firefighter Thomas Colvin

Firefighter John Christos

Firefighter Rod Mosqueda

Firefighter Roger Lane

Firefighter Brian Kerr

Firefighter Darren Sandilla

Firefighter Ryan Anguiano

Firefighter Hector Garcia, Jr.

Firefighter Jon Gonzalez

Firefighter John Papka

Firefighter Scott O’Kelley

Firefighter Arthur Howard

Firefighter Robert Scott

Firefighter John Reitz

Firefighter Christopher Curdes

Firefighter Joseph Lavendusky

Firefighter David Tinsley

Firefighter Herlindo Zamora

Firefighter Kevin Heggi

Firefighter Brian Wedel

Firefighter Shawn Millard

Firefighter Michael Pouch

Firefighter Richard St. Myers

Firefighter Mark Reid

Firefighter Michael Garrett

Firefighter Joshua Magner

2002

Without the annual preventive maintenance program initiated four years ago, equipment would have been out of service even more than it has again been. A success in its own, it has provided much needed service to the fire equipment, providing annual pump test and ladder test helping all equipment to stay on the road.

Last year when Station 3 was opened our only spare fire truck was put into service as a first out rig. This created a problem every time an engine broke down since the only truck we had to use to replace this engine with was our tanker.

At the direction of Chief Polak, a committee was formed to address the need for a new engine for Station No. 3. In the past when a fire truck was purchased, the truck was designed by a salesman, and the fire department would have to make due with the truck as is and try to find room for all the equipment needed to be carried on the truck. This meant using bungee cords to fasten down equipment wherever a space could be found. In an effort to prevent this from happening, the committee worked hard all year to design a fire truck that met the need of the department today and that would be able to continue to meet the needs in the years to come. Specs were written including the equipment needed to outfit the truck, and in November of 2001, we went to bid. The bid was awarded to Pierce Fire Apparatus Co. with delivery in the summer of 2002. This will be the first fire truck purchased that was designed by the firefighters to fit the needs of Hobart Fire Department.

With four ambulances on the road running thousands of call each year, a lot of miles go on and breakdowns increase. This is another problem we have had this last year as the miles have increased also have been the problems with ambulances breaking down. Sometimes two to three ambulances would break down in the same day! With only one spare this has caused the department to temporarily drop down to only having three ambulances serving the city until an ambulance could be repaired and put back into service. The costs of repairing these rigs have increased every year.

At the Direction of Chief Polak, EMS Director Robert Lamprecht worked on getting specs written on one to four new ambulances. In November of 2001, we went to bid, but as of the first of the year no bid has been awarded. The need for new ambulances is still growing as the miles increase on these rigs.

The year 2001 started out most tragically with the fatalities of a mother and her 8 year old daughter. Both perished in a house fire on the west side of town. In addition we saw an increase in structure fires in the city, including two business fires: Holiday rental on the northwest side of the city and Hobart Karate Center downtown.

This year EMS Director Robert Lamprecht began working days taking care of the needs of the Paramedic program, Ambulances, and EMS training. This will provide a more thorough supervision of the day-to-day operations of the emergency medical services. It will also mean a close monitoring of medical equipment and supplies as well as quality assurance of medical care rendered. This will provide for more efficient evaluation and coordination of both quality and cost-effectiveness of operations. His duties will also include performing business inspections.

Training improved this last year with the addition of EMS Director Robert Lamprecht providing EMS training to the firefighters along with Fire Prevention Director James Jaracz providing firefighting training on a weekly basis.

Last year all city hydrants were inspected by on-duty firefighters and problems found were reported to American Indiana Water Co.

Last year all fire hose was tested and inspected by on-duty firefighters, and hose that failed the test was repaired.

Last year Charles Reeves, our only civilian EMT, went out on disability retirement due to a back injury received while on duty. Firefighter Joshua Magner, hired June 25, 2001, replaced him. Joshua is a Firefighter – Paramedic.

Once again No new members were added to the staff of this department; it still remains at 59 fulltime firefighters. We still hope to see a much-needed growth during the years to come.

During this past year, staffing within the department fell below minimum levels several times due to call-offs only and not due to scheduled days off. On these days personnel not scheduled to work weren’t available.

Communications with off duty firefighters has been a problem for this last year as so many of our members live outside the city. Several years ago our only method of contacting personnel was by the telephone! Then in 1998 we provided radio tone activated pagers to our members so when they were needed they could be reached all at once. This did not work because the radio signal was too weak for the members living throughout Lake and Porter Counties to receive the signal to open their pagers and be able to hear the message. Last year this problem was eliminated by replacing the tone pagers with new state-of-the-art alphanumeric pagers that provided coverage throughout the entire state of Indiana.

As a way to improve the billing of Ambulance calls, a new software program was purchased to track and print bills. Mayor Buzinec, Clerk Treasurer Mellon and Chief Polak had been working on a way to improve handling of the billing by possibly bringing the billing into the clerk’s office. This would provide a more efficient way to handle the billing, collections and receipts. In August of last year this became a reality. The billing was moved into the clerk’s office at city hall.

The Fire Prevention Bureau continued to be keep busy this year with plan reviews along with inspections of new construction, inspections of existing buildings, and public education programs. The increased construction in the city has kept the bureau very busy.

This year has put more of a demand on the staff and the new EMS director will be helping out with the inspections.

The equipment and manpower, as of 2002, was as follows:

Station No.1 – Fire Headquarters

75’ Quint
Rescue Pumper
Brush Truck
Batt. Chief Car
ALS Ambulance

Station No. 2

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance
Station No. 3
Rescue Pumper

Station No. 4

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance
105’ Tower
3000gal Tanker
(2) Spare ALS Ambulances

FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER:

Chief Paul R. Polak

Assistant Chief Steve S. Mast

Battalion Chief Terry Norman

Battalion Chief Steve Hoskins

Battalion Chief John Cordova, Jr.

Captain Steve McKown

Captain Robert Ellenberger

Captain Randal Smith

Lieutenant William Lashenik

Lieutenant Ron Schwuchow

Lieutenant Thomas Lashenik

Lieutenant William McCorkle

Lieutenant Jack Baker

Lieutenant Fabian Martinez, Jr.

Lieutenant Donald Kepshire

Lieutenant Thomas Castle

Lieutenant John Wall

Inspector/FF Patti Brazil

Firefighter William Dillin

Firefighter Mark Slonaker

Firefighter Tod Elias

EMS Director Robert Lamprecht

Firefighter Joe Gospodarek

Firefighter Dan Saitta

Prevention Director James Jaracz

Firefighter Jay Dee Prohosky

Firefighter Brian Taylor

Firefighter Jody Taylor

Firefighter Robert Fields

Firefighter Robert Ashlock

Firefighter Thomas Colvin

Firefighter John Christos

Firefighter Rod Mosqueda

Firefighter Roger Lane

Firefighter Brian Kerr

Firefighter Darren Sandilla

Firefighter Ryan Anguiano

Firefighter Hector Garcia, Jr.

Firefighter Jon Gonzalez

Firefighter John Papka

Firefighter Scott O’Kelley

Firefighter Arthur Howard

Firefighter Robert Scott

Firefighter John Reitz

Firefighter Christopher Curdes

Firefighter Joseph Lavendusky

Firefighter David Tinsley

Firefighter Herlindo Zamora

Firefighter Kevin Heggi

Firefighter Brian Wedel

Firefighter Shawn Millard

Firefighter Michael Pouch

Firefighter Richard St. Myers

Firefighter Mark Reid

Firefighter Michael Garrett

Firefighter Joshua Magner

Roger Lane - hired in 1995 - retired in 2002

Bill Dillin - hired in 1993 - left in 2002

2003

Training has seen a constant change this year. A Probationary Firefighter class was held with the firefighter receiving over 200 hours of training before being assigned to a permanent turn and station. Along with this training, the on-duty firefighters received a minimum of 2 hours’ training every week. With the increase of demands on the firefighting force, training has become so important that a full time training instructor is now needed.

Annual inspections of city fire hydrants were done again by on-duty firefighters, and all fire hoses were tested.

New equipment was purchased and placed into service this year.

The equipment and manpower, as of 2003, was as follows:

Station No.1 – Fire Headquarters

75’ Quint
Rescue Pumper
Brush Truck
Batt. Chief Car
ALS Ambulance

Station No. 2

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance

Station No. 3

Rescue Pumper

Station No. 4

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance
105’ Tower
3000gal Tanker
(2) Spare ALS Ambulances

FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER: Chief Paul R. Polak

Assistant Chief Steve S. Mast

Battalion Chief Terry Norman

Battalion Chief Steve Hoskins

Battalion Chief John Cordova, Jr.

Captain Steve McKown

Captain Robert Ellenberger

Captain Randal Smith

Lieutenant William Lashenik

Lieutenant Ron Schwuchow

Lieutenant Thomas Lashenik

Lieutenant William McCorkle

Lieutenant Jack Baker

Lieutenant Fabian Martinez, Jr.

Lieutenant Donald Kepshire

Lieutenant Thomas Castle

Lieutenant John Wall

Inspector/FF Patti Brazil

Firefighter Mark Slonaker

Firefighter Tod Elias

EMS Director Robert Lamprecht

Firefighter Joe Gospodarek

Firefighter Dan Saitta

Prevention Director James Jaracz

Firefighter Jay Dee Prohosky

Firefighter Brian Taylor

Firefighter Jody Taylor

Firefighter Robert Fields

Firefighter Robert Ashlock

Firefighter Tom Colvin

Firefighter John Christos

Firefighter Rod Mosqueda

Firefighter Brian Kerr

Firefighter Darren Sandilla

Firefighter Ryan Anguiano

Firefighter Hector Garcia, Jr.

Firefighter Jon Gonzalez

Firefighter John Papka

Firefighter Scott O’Kelley

Firefighter Arthur Howard

Firefighter Robert Scott

Firefighter John Reitz

Firefighter Christopher Curdes

Firefighter Joseph Lavendusky

Firefighter David Tinsley

Firefighter Herlindo Zamora

Firefighter Kevin Heggi

Firefighter Brian Wedel

Firefighter Shawn Millard

Firefighter Michael Pouch

Firefighter Richard St. Myers

Firefighter Mark Reid

Firefighter Michael Garrett

Firefighter Joshua Magner

Firefighter James Allison

Firefighter Ray Houston

Firefighter Craig Barton

Tom Colvin - hired in 1995 - left in 2003

2004

Without the annual preventive maintenance program initiated six years ago, equipment would have been out of service even more than it has again been. A success in its own, it has provided much needed service to the fire equipment, providing annual pump tests and ladder tests helping all equipment stay on the road.

Last year ISO completed its analysis of the structured fire suppression delivery system provided in our community. ISO was very pleased to report that the resulting classification is now a Class 4/9. This is an improvement from the former classification of Class 6/9. This means our community’s fire suppression services are improving in the face of the demands of a changing environment. ISO is the leading supplier of statistical, underwriting, and actuarial information for the property/casualty insurance industry. Most insurers use the PPC classifications for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

The Fire Department received a grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. These funds are used by the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, emergency medical service programs, and fire prevention and safety programs.

Firefighters received specialized training along with everyday training to help keep their skills at the highest levels. Specialized training came in the form of firefighters traveling to West Virginia to attend week long training at the National Response Center Memorial Tunnel Project. Normal local training consisted of weekly training sessions covering a host of subjects. EMS training was on a monthly basis covering various topics.

Last year all city hydrants were inspected by on-duty firefighters and any problems found were reported to American Indiana Water Co. for repair.

Last year all fire hoses were tested and inspected by on-duty firefighters, and hoses that failed the test were taken out of service and repaired before being repacked on equipment.

Last year we had two more firefighters leave the force in addition to the two firefighters that left in 2002.

Three new members were hired to replace the two firefighters that left the department in 2002 and one that left in 2003; staffing for the year ended at 58 fulltime firefighters. The last firefighters that left will be replaced at the beginning of 2004.

No new additional staffing has been added even with the opening of Fire Station No. 3 in 2002. The first year of the opening of station No. 3, the staffing was handled with overtime personnel, but with the budget cuts, overtime staffing had to be cut back. This caused a staffing shortage within the department. To try to handle the staffing shortage, one Advanced Life Support Ambulance was taken out of service and the two personnel assigned to it were moved to another station to help with manpower shortages. We still need a minimum of thirteen additional staffing to fully man this new station. We still hope to see a much-needed growth during the year to come.

New Cold Water Rescue suits were donated by Wal-Mart to replace old suits that no longer could be repaired.

Fire Department launched new web pages on city web site.

Fire Department received the Life Safety Award for no fire deaths during the year 2002.

Fire Department stats: Total Fire and EMS runs for 2003: 2969

Hobart Fire Department Awarded Grant: The Fire Department received a grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. This program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. These funds are used by the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, emergency medical service programs, and fire prevention and safety programs.

Hobart Fire Department was awarded a grant for Health and Safety in the amount of $89,000.00 to provide a physical fitness program within the department.

The program included the purchase of fitness equipment, physicals for all the firefighters, and the hiring of a personal trainer to establish a fitness program for each firefighter.

Hobart’s New Classification went from a 6/9 down to a 4/9.

The equipment and manpower, as of 2004, was as follows:

Station No.1 – Fire Headquarters

75’ Quint
Rescue Pumper
Brush Truck
Batt. Chief Car
ALS Ambulance

Station No. 2

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance

Station No. 3

Rescue Pumper

Station No. 4

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance
105’ Tower
3000gal Tanker
(2) Spare ALS Ambulances

FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER: Chief Paul R. Polak

Assistant Chief Steve S. Mast

Battalion Chief Terry Norman

Battalion Chief Steve Hoskins

Battalion Chief John Cordova, Jr.

Captain Steve McKown

Captain Robert Ellenberger

Captain Randal Smith

Lieutenant William Lashenik

Lieutenant Ron Schwuchow

Lieutenant Thomas Lashenik

Lieutenant William McCorkle

Lieutenant Jack Baker

Lieutenant Fabian Martinez, Jr.

Lieutenant Donald Kepshire

Lieutenant Thomas Castle

Lieutenant John Wall

Inspector/FF Patti Brazil

Firefighter Mark Slonaker

Firefighter Tod Elias

EMS Director Robert Lamprecht

Firefighter Joe Gospodarek

Firefighter Dan Saitta

Prevention Director James Jaracz

Firefighter Jay Dee Prohosky

Firefighter Brian Taylor

Firefighter Jody Taylor

Firefighter Robert Fields

Firefighter Robert Ashlock

Firefighter John Christos

Firefighter Rod Mosqueda

Firefighter Brian Kerr

Firefighter Darren Sandilla

Firefighter Ryan Anguiano

Firefighter Hector Garcia, Jr.

Firefighter Jon Gonzalez

Firefighter John Papka (on Military Leave) Firefighter Scott O’Kelley

Firefighter Arthur Howard

Firefighter Robert Scott

Firefighter John Reitz

Firefighter Christopher Curdes

Firefighter Joseph Lavendusky

Firefighter David Tinsley

Firefighter Herlindo Zamora

Firefighter Kevin Heggi

Firefighter Brian Wedel

Firefighter Shawn Millard

Firefighter Michael Pouch

Firefighter Richard St. Myers

Firefighter Mark Reid

Firefighter Michael Garrett

Firefighter Joshua Magner

Firfighter Jim Allison

Firefighter Ray Houston

Firefighter Craig Barton

Firefighter Chris Brunke

Darren Sandilla - hired in 1996 - left in 2004

Jim Allison - hired in 2003 - left in 2004

Chris Brunke - hired in 2004 - left in 2004

2005

Without the annual preventive maintenance program initiated seven years ago, equipment would have been out of service even more than it has again been. A success in its own, it has provided much needed service to the fire equipment, providing annual pump tests and ladder tests helping all equipment stay on the road.

The Fire Department purchased a new Ford E350 Pickup truck to replace one that has been used for a brush truck since 1986. In addition, a bid was awarded for a new Fire Truck to replace our 1989 Pierce truck which is in poor condition. The new Engine will be delivered in 2005.

The Fire Department received a $20,500.00 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. These funds were used to purchase a new breathing air compressor with a four-bottle cascade system, and two position fill station. This compressor will be used to refill our breathing air tanks as they are used.

Firefighters received specialized training taught by state instructors and national instructors along with everyday training to help keep their skills at the highest levels. EMS training was on a monthly basis covering various topics.

Last year all city hydrants were inspected by on-duty firefighters and any problems found were reported to American Indiana Water Co. for repair. In addition, last year all fire hoses were tested and inspected by on-duty firefighters, and hoses that failed the test were taken out of service and repaired before being repacked on equipment.

Last year we had four firefighters leave the force. They were James Allison, Christopher Brunke, Darren Sandilla, & John Papka. Staffing for the year ended at 55 fulltime firefighters. These firefighters that left should be replaced in 2005.

No new additional staff has been added even with the opening of Fire Station No. 3 in 2002. This caused a staffing shortage within the department. To try to handle the shortage, one Advanced Life Support Ambulance was taken out of service and the two personnel assigned to it were moved to another station to help with manpower shortages. We still need a minimum of thirteen additional firefighters to fully staff this new station. We still hope to see a much-needed growth during the year to come.

Fire Department received for the second year in a row the Life Safety Award for no fire deaths during the year 2003.

Fire Department stats: Total Fire and EMS runs for 2004: 3181

New Ford F-350 Pickup Truck Purchased from Barile Ford for new Brush Truck

New Air Compressor purchased

The equipment and manpower, as of 2005, was as follows:

Station No.1 – Fire Headquarters

75’ Quint
Rescue Pumper
Batt. Chief Car
ALS Ambulance

Manpower: Fire Chief William McCorkle

Asst. Fire Chief Steve Mast

Director of EMS Robert Lamprecht

Director of Fire Prevention James Jaracz

Batt. Chief Steve Hoskins

Batt. Chief Steven McKown

Batt. Chief John Cordova

Captain Robert Ellenberger

Lt. Ron Schuwchow

Lt. Thomas Castle

Lt. Fabian Martinez

Lt. Don Kepshire

Inspector Patti Brazil

Inspector Robert Ashlock

Pvt. Slonaker

Pvt. Gospodarek

Pvt. Papka

Pvt. Mosqueda

Pvt. Lavendusky

Pvt. St. Myers

Pvt. J. Taylor

Pvt. B. Taylor

Pvt. O’Kelley

Pvt. Howard

Pvt. Heggi

Pvt. Millard

Station No. 3

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance
Brush Truck
Boat

Manpower: Captain Terry Norman

Lt. William Lashenik

Lt. Thomas Lashenik

Pvt. Chris Curdes

Pvt. Saitta

Pvt. Gonzalez

Pvt. Kerr

Pvt. Zamora

Pvt. Reid

Pvt. Garrett

Pvt. Magner

Pvt. Houston

Pvt. Barton

Station No. 4

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance
105’ Tower
3000gal Tanker
(2) Spare ALS Ambulances

Manpower: Captain Randy Smith

Lt. John Wall

Lt. Jack Baker

Pvt. Tod Elias

Pvt. Curdes

Pvt. Robert Scott

Pvt. John Reitz

Pvt. Louis Donsbach

Pvt. Hott

Pvt. Pouch

Pvt. Tinsley

Pvt. Wedel

Paul Polak - hired in 1976 - retired in 2005

Jaydee Hoskins (Prohosky) - hired in 1993 - retired in 2005

Hector Garcia - hired in 1996 - retired in 2005

Bob Fields - hired in 1994 - left in 2005

John Christos hired in 1995 - left in 2005

2006

Purchased new fully equipped Rescue Pumper from American LaFrance to be housed at Station No. 4.

Fire Chief Paul Polak retired after 29 years.

Station No. 2 converted into a training and workout facility. (only for a short time! Reopened within 4 months) Firefighting force cut by seven firefighters! Department now stands at 52 Firefighters.

Fire prevention Director and Inspector put back on turn, also added one more inspector. (Now one inspector working on each turn.) The start of connecting all Fire Stations by a wireless computer network.

The equipment and manpower, as of 2006, was as follows:

Station No.1 – Fire Headquarters

75’ Quint
Rescue Pumper
Batt. Chief Car
ALS Ambulance

Manpower: Fire Chief William McCorkle

Asst. Fire Chief Steve Mast

Director of EMS Robert Lamprecht

Director of Fire Prevention James Jaracz

Batt. Chief Steve Hoskins

Batt. Chief Steven McKown

Batt. Chief John Cordova

Captain Robert Ellenberger

Lt. Ron Schuwchow

Lt. Thomas Castle

Lt. Fabian Martinez

Lt. Don Kepshire

Inspector Patti Brazil

Inspector Robert Ashlock

Pvt. Slonaker

Pvt. Gospodarek

Pvt. Papka

Pvt. Mosqueda

Pvt. B. Taylor

Pvt. O’Kelley

Pvt. Howard

Pvt. Heggi

Pvt. Millard

Pvt. Reid

Pvt. Magner

Station No. 2

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance

Manpower: Pvt. Lavendusky

Pvt. Garrett

Pvt. J. Taylor

Pvt. St. Myers

Pvt. Houston

Pvt. Barton

Station No. 3

Rescue Pumper
Brush Truck
Boat

Manpower: Captain Terry Norman

Lt. William Lashenik

Lt. Thomas Lashenik

Pvt. Saitta

Pvt. Gonzalez

Pvt. Kerr

Pvt. Zamora

Station No. 4

Rescue Pumper
ALS Ambulance
105’ Tower
3000gal Tanker
(2) Spare ALS Ambulances

Manpower: Captain Randy Smith

Lt. John Wall

Lt. Jack Baker

Pvt. Tod Elias

Pvt. Curdes

Pvt. Robert Scott

Pvt. John Reitz

Pvt. Louis Donsbach

Pvt. Hott

Pvt. Pouch

Pvt. Tinsley

Pvt. Wedel

Mike Hott - hired in 1993 - retired in 2010

Mike Garrett - hired in 1999 - left in 2007

Graham Federico - hired in 2007 - left in 2008

Sandy Curry - hired in 2009 - left in 2009

Terry Norman - hired in 1978 - retired in 2007

John Cordova - hired in 1979 - retired in 2007

Ron Schwuchow - hired in 1980 - retired in 2010

Tom Lashenik - hired in 1984 - retired in 2010

Randy Smith - hired in 1988 - retired in 2009

Todd Elias - hired in 1993 - retired in 2009

Don Kepshire - hired in 1983 - retired in 2010

2011

The Year 2011 - The year of Changes: The year started with a new rescue truck being put into service at Station No. 1, The new truck would be called Rescue - 1. It would be staffed by a Paramedic and Firefighter, The truck would respond city wide north of 61st Av. and would provide ALS Medical Service.

Pvt. J. Papka joined the administration as an Inspector at the first of the year.

Asst. Chief Martinez resigned and was replaced by Lt.Brian Taylor as the new Asst. Chief., Former Fire Chief McCorkle who resigned in 2011 and was a Captain on B Turn now retired. Asst.Chief Brian Taylor replaced Bill McCorkle as Fire Chief. Lt Jim Jaracz was then promoted to Asst.Chief.

The Director of EMS, Lt. Lamprecht was reasigned to B Turn after McCorkle retired.

Robert Scott assumed the position of E.M.S. Director

A number of Firefighters announced their retirement plans: Batt. Chief Steve Mast with 35 years

Batt. Chief Steve Hoskins with 32 years

Batt. Chief Steve McKown with 30 years

Lt. William Lashenik with 32 years

2013

In early 2013 Asst.Chief Jim Jaracz retired and was replaced by Lt.Brian Kerr as the new Asst.Chief. Mid 2013 Fire Chief Brian Taylor retired from the Hobart Fire Department and went over to the Hobart Police Department. Asst.Chief Brian Kerr became the department’s intern Fire Chief. Late 2013 intern Fire Chief Brian Kerr stepped down and returned to a turn and the Battalion Chiefs took over running the department with Battalion Chief Robert Ellenberger taking led. In 2014 Hobart Fire Department got a new E-One fire engine to replace Engine #4 which had gotten into an accident in late 2013. Manpower for 2014 was a total of 46 Firefighters.

Robert Ellenberger (Acting Fire Chief) Bob Scott (EMS Director) Jousha Magner (Fire Prevention Director) Terry Norman (Adm.Asst.) Steve McKown (Inspector) Rev.Strietdemeier (Fire DepartmentChaplin) Tom Castle (BC) Robert Lamprecht (Cpt.) Joe Gospodarek (Pvt.) Robert Ashlock (Pvt.) John Papka (Lt.) Chris Curdes (Lt.) Rich St.Myers (Pvt.) Mark Reid (Pvt.) Ray Houston (Pvt.) Ralph Cueto (Pvt.) Mike Haney (Pvt.) Jason Powell (Pvt.) Jason Dennington (Pvt.) Frank Pukoszek (Pvt.) Fabian Martinez (BC) Patti Brazil (Pvt.) Mark Slonaker (Cpt.) Jon Gonzalez (Lt.) Scott O’Kelley (Lt.) Joe Lavendusky (Pvt.) Herlindo Zamora (Pvt.) Kevin Heggi (Pvt.) Brian wedel (Pvt.) Mike Stucky (Pvt.) Lloyd Besaw (Pvt.) Brian DeGrauwe (Pvt.) Steve Gouwens (Pvt.) William Samano (Pvt.) Jack Baker (Lt.) Luke Donsbach (Cpt.) Jody Taylor (Pvt.) Rod Mosqueda (Pvt.) Brian Kerr (Lt.) Skip Howard (Pvt.) John Reitz (Lt.) Dave Tinsley (Pvt.) Shawn Millard (Pvt.) Craig Barton (Pvt.) Brian Snyder (Pvt.) Tim Bennett (Pvt.) Ron Reed Jr. (Pvt.) Justin Fraga - hired in 2011 - left in 2013

Doug Maruszczak - hired in 2013 - left in 2013

Dan Saitta - hired in 1993 - retired in 2012

John Wall - hired in 1993 - retired in 2013

2014

In the summer of 2014 Hobart Fire Department was awarded the SAFER Grant. With federal money the Hobart Fire Department was able to hire 6 firefighters.In the summer of 2014 retired Battalion Chief Steve McKown had became the new Fire Chief.and shortly after that Lt.Brain Kerr was promoted to Asst.Chief. Late 2014 Fire Chief Steve McKown had stepped down. Asst.Chief Brian Kerr had been promoted to Fire Chief and Lt. Jack Baker was promoted to Asst.Chief.

Brian Kerr (Fire Chief) Jack Baker (Asst.Chief) Bob Scott (EMS Director) Joshua Magner (Fire Prevention Director) Terry Norman (Adm. Asst.) Rev. Strietelmeier (Fire DepartmentChaplin) Tom Castle (BC) Robert Lamprecht (Cpt.) Joe Gospodarek (Pvt.) Robert Ashlock (Lt.) John Papka (Lt.) Chris Curdes (Lt.) Rich St.Myers (Pvt.) Mark Reid (Pvt.) Ray Houston (Pvt.) Ralph Cueto (Pvt.) Mike Haney (Pvt.) Jason Powell (Pvt.) Jason Dennington (Pvt.) Lloyd Besaw (Pvt.) Frank Pukoszek (Pvt.) Brian DeGrauwe (Pvt.) Matthew Barger (Pvt.) David Hansen (Pvt.) Fabian Martinez (BC) Patti Brazil (Pvt.) Jon Gonzalez (Cpt.) Scott O’Kelley (Lt.) Joe Lavendusky (Pvt.) Herlindo Zamora (Pvt.) Kevin Heggi (Pvt.) Brian Wedel (Pvt.) Mike Stucky (Pvt.) Steve Gouwens (Pvt.) William Samano (Pvt.) Jacob Gettler (Pvt.) Enrique Lopez (Pvt.) Isa Esquivel (Pvt.) Bryce Palleson (Pvt.) Cory Federico (Pvt.) Xavier Silva (Pvt.) Robert Ellenberger (BC) Mark Slonaker (Cpt.) Luke Donsbach (Cpt.) Jody Taylor (Pvt.) Rod Mosqueda (Pvt.) Skip Howard (Pvt.) John Reitz (Lt.) Dave Tinsley (Pvt.) Shawn Millard (Pvt.) Mike Pouch (Pvt.) Craig Barton (Pvt.) Brian Snyder (Pvt.) Tim Bennett (Pvt.) Ron Reed Jr. (Pvt.) Ryan Maloney (Pvt.) Nick Sneiderwine (Pvt.) Joe Gospodarek - hired in 1993 - retired in 2014

Luke Donsbach - hired in 1994 - retired in 2014

Jason Powell - hired in 2010 - left in 2014

William Samano - hired in 2012 - left in 2014

2015

2015 was a very busy year for the Hobart Fire Department. It was our busiest year to date with 4,264 calls total. The fire department had gotten a new 75’ Quint to replace a aging older quint.

Robert Ellenberger - hired in 1985 - retired in 2015

Xavier Silva - hired in 2014 - left in 2015

Jake Cuevas - hired in 2015 - left in 2015

2016

2016 turn out to be the department’s busiest year yet. Surpassing the record for 2015 with 5,322 calls total. The department had gotten a new ambulance to replace an older one. Station number Two was remodel and reopen in late 2016 with more living space. A extra bay was added for more equipment and then a community room was added in the back of the station. 2016 staffing is at 53 Firefighters, 30 of them being Paramedics,19 of them being EMTs, 3 of them being first responders along with 3 civilians working for the fire department.

Brian Kerr (Chief) Jack Baker (Asst.Chief) Bob Scott (EMS Director) Joshua Magner (F.P. Director) Terry Norman (Adm.Asst.) Steve McKown (Inspector) Phil Topor (Inspector) Rev. Strietelmeier (Fire Department. Chaplin) Tom Castle (BC) Robert Lamprecht (Cpt.) John Papka (Lt.) Rich St.Myers (Lt.) Mark Reid (Pvt.) Ray Houston (Pvt.) Ralph Cueto (Pvt.) Mike Haney (Pvt.) Jason Dennington (Pvt.) Lloyd Besaw (Pvt.) Frank Pukoszek (Pvt.) Brain DeGauwe (Pvt.) Matthew Barger (Pvt.) David Hansen (Pvt.) Nick Sneiderwine (Pvt.) Ben Saylor (Pvt.) Fabian Martinez (BC) Patti Brazil (Pvt.) Jon Gonzalez (Cpt.) Scott O’Kelley (Lt.) Joe Lavendusky (Lt.) Herlindo Zamora (Lt.) Kevin Heggi (Pvt.) Brian Wedel (Pvt.) Mike Stucky (Pvt.) Steve Gouwens (Pvt.) Jacob Gettler (Pvt.) Enrique Lopez (Pvt.) Isa Esquivel (Pvt.) Bryce Palleson (Pvt.) Cory Federico (Pvt.) Richard Madsen (Pvt.) Mark Slonaker (BC) Jody Taylor (Pvt.) Robert Ashlock (Lt.) Rod Mosqueda (Pvt.) Skip Howard (Pvt.) John Reitz (Lt.) Chris Curdes (Cpt.) Dave Tinsley (Lt.) Shawn Millard (Pvt.) Craig Barton (Pvt.) Brain Snyder (Pvt.) Tim Bennett (Pvt.) Ron Reed Jr. (Pvt.) Ryan Maloney (Pvt.) David Bultema (Pvt.) Tyler Arcuri (Pvt.) 2017 is already starting to look like a busy year so far. The Hobart Fire Departmenthas designated all if it’s station to be a Safe Place for school age kids to come to if they are in trouble. We are also starting a D.O.S.E. program that will let firefighters help new parents with their newborns by educating them on proper ways to reduce SIDS. We are also starting a program called project Livesaver. This program will help the fire department track individuals with dementia, alzheimer or a memory disorder with a bracelet that the individuals will wear. The bracelet has a small GPS chip in it and the fire department will have equipment on hand to help find that individual.

History

History of Hobart Fire Department

Fire Alarm

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