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Congratulations to our new Officers and Board Members. Good Luck Guys!

It is with Great Sadness that The Lakes of Four Seasons Fire Force acknowledges the passing of John Curley. John will always be kept in our hearts and prayers. Mr Curley was the driving force behind the formation of our ALS ambulance service. His tireless efforts kept us moving forward.



Thanks to all who attended our Pancake Breakfast

 

 

 

 

Assist to Union Fire

Rt. 30 Crash

 

 

 

 

 

Specialized Rescue presents unique challenges.

Horse Rescue

 

 

 

 

Crash 100 South 725 West

 

 

 

 

 

Tenth Annual Water Rescue Class.

The coldest on record, but all survived.

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations Kevin and Nikki, a beautiful ceremony and a unique  reception.

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Tony Waitkus on your retirement from active duty. 

Our new Chief's vehicle 3552 is a 2009 Ford F-250 Super Duty. The vehicle is equipped with a specialty designed roll out insert to ease access to command equipment.

 

 Water Rescue - Assist to Hebron Fire

March 11, 2009 - Assist to Hebron Fire Department at South County Road at 250 West and 1000 South in Hebron, Ind. just south of the Kankakee River. A driver of a rental truck thought she was able to cross the road. She did not make it and was stuck halfway between in a Penske rental truck. The water was about four feet deep. A flat-bottom boat from LOFS Fire was used to rescue the driver, who was taken to a hospital. 
Article and Photo from ABC 7 Chicago News.

Porter County Community Foundation Donation

 

January 2009 - Receiving a check from Brenda Sheetz (President) Porter County Community Foundation ($6518.00) for items shown.

 

 

 

Lake County Water Rescue Task Force Ice Dive

January 2009 - The first joint training of the Lake County Water Rescue Task Force including LOFS, Crown Point, Hobart, St. John and Lake Dale.

 

 

 

 

Structure Fire Assist Boone Grove, Dec 2008

December 2008, Lakes of the Four Seasons assisted Boone Grove with a structure fire in Lake Eliza.

 

 


 

 

December 2008 Stop Drop Donate Food Drive

LOFS Fire Department Auxiliary along with members of the fire department participated in the Stop Drop Donate Food Drive in Lake and Porter Counties within our Service Area.  Thank you to all that donated your time, food, and monetary donations.                              

 

Congratulations to the Newly Promoted Officers

Asst. Chief Brad Zupan         
Captain Jason Gikas
Lieutenants Jon Parkhouse, Graham Federico, Jeff Stilwell, and Pat Savell

Engineers Jon Buczek & Joe Ferkull                                    

 

Dive Team Responds to Deep River - September 3rd

9/3/2008 - LOFS Dive Team responds to Deep River to locate a possible weapon that was used in a pizza delivery driver beating.  LOFS Diver Enrique Lopez was congratulated for being the diver that located the weapon. 
The Time Newspaper Article

Waterball Classic - September 6th - 10am - St 3500

9/6/2008 - Big Dog Waterball Classic sponsored by 1 800 Boardup.  Entry fee is $10 per person.  This includes t-shirt, food and beverage ticket, chance for door prizes, and the team trophies.
Start time 10am - LOFS 3500

Email kradtke@lofsfire.com to register!

Dive Team Responds to Lake Michigan

8/2/2008 - LOFS Dive team along with other Porter and Lake county dive teams were called to Porter Beach in Porter, Indiana (near the Indiana Dunes State Park).  The Teams are searching for a 13 year old Chicago boy who drowned.  3 to 5 foot waves and strong rip tide were reported at Indiana Dunes state park.
News from nwitimes.com
News from post-trib.com

2008 LOFS Summerfest

7/18/2008 - Four Seasons Dive Rescue Team along w/ LOFS Boat Patrol on the scene to make the perfect rescue of the fishermen. The two fisherman were fishing in the area of the water ski show.  Even though this was a staged event all rescue parties treated this as a real life event.

Randolph Street Training House - Final Burn

7/18/2008 - LOFS Fire concluded the training at the Randolph Street House.  This house was donated by Stonegate developer Providence Real Estate.  Thanks for all that came out and participated.

Grant from Crown Point Community Foundation

7/18/2008 - LOFS Fire received a grant from the Crown Point Community Foundation.  With the money we have purchased 2 new AED's  The two AED's will be placed on our fire trucks and we now have 100% of each of our trucks with an AED on it. Also, with the money we have purchased infant and children lifejackets. These jackets are fun in color and encourage children to wear them. We will be giving these out to the public after sizing them properly at special events.

Dive Team Responds to Lake Michigan

7/13/2008 - LOFS Dive team along with other Porter and Lake county dive teams were called to Kemil beach in Beverly Shores, Indiana.  The teams searched for two days for a teenager that had drown in rip current conditions.
News from nwitimes.com
News from post-trib.com

Randolph Street Training House

6/14/2008 - The first of 3 live fire trainings at the Randolph street training house took place Saturday.  Thanks to all that came out and participated and for all the hard work to those getting the house ready for training!

1st Annual SAMC EMS Rodeo - 1st Place

5/22/2008 - Congratulations to Team Four Seasons on taking the Gold at the first annual Saint Anthony's Medical Center EMS Rodeo.  The team was made up of Chief Kevin Radtke, LT. Kevin Laduke, and SAMC EMS Coordinator Don Hess.

Congratulations - Paramedic Federico

5/16/2008 - Congratulations to Graham "G-Fed" Federico on passing the paramedic exam!

Congratulations - Its a Boy!


5/13/2008 - Congratulations to Sarah and Jeff Stillwell on the birth of their son Joshua Logan.

Congratulations to Sandra and Michael Parks on the birth of their son Ryan Michael.

Vehicle Fire


4/22/2008 - Early morning car fire on Grand Blvd in Winfield.

Motor Vehicle Crash


4/16/2008 - Motor Vehicle Crash 108th and Randolph Street.

IVFA Dinner / Meeting


4/16/2008 - Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 16th LOFS Fire will be hosting the District 2 IVFA Dinner / Meeting.
LOFS Fire would like to thank the following for supporting this event:
Kankakee Valley REMC
Memorial MedFlight
TFT
Global
Hoosier Fire
Fire Service
5 Alarm

Spring Crazy Bunco - April 18th 6pm Station 1


4/18/2007 - Spring Crazy Bunco scheduled for Friday, April 18 at LOFS Fire Station 1.

Lots of Food, Fun, and Prizes.  For more information contact Cathy @ 988-5394

2008 Service Awards

3/8/2008 - Service awards were awarded to the following members during the annual awards dinner sponsored by Doubletree Subdivision

Pictured at top are Tony Waitkus (15 Years and Ed Kulesa (10 Years) with Chief Radtke and Asst. Chief Campbell.
Pictured at bottom are the 5 year service award members, Jon Parkhouse, Nick Lukas, Andrew Dragash, Graham Federico, Kurt Altpeter, Nick Medrano, not pictured Craig Philp with Chief Radtke and Asst. Chief Campbell, .

Congratulations to everyone for there hard work and service with the LOFS Fire Force.
Photos by Mike Gooldy (Winfield American)

Candlelight Bowl - Friday Feb. 1 2008
2/1/2008 - The LOFS Fire department auxiliary will be hosting a candlelight bowl at the Super Bowl in Crown Point.  See the auxiliary webpage for more details.

LOFS House Fire
1/16/2008 - Firefighters from LOFS, Boone Grove, Crown Point, Hebron, Hobart, Morgan Twp, Union Twp, & Washington Twp battle an early morning house fire in Lakes of the Four Seasons.


Nwitimes.com Article.

Horse Rescued from Pond
1/3/2008 - Firefighters from LOFS, Hebron, & Crown Point rescue a horse from a pond after the horse fell through the ice. Rescue workers managed to save the horse from the ice covered pond within an hour.
Photo of Dolly
Photos taken from Nwitimes.com
Nwitimes.com Article.

2007 To Be A Record Year With Calls
1/1/2008 - We are entering another record year here at LOFS Fire.  This year we have ran 838 calls to date making 2007 a record year for us.

Rescue 3533 Now In Service
11/13/2007 - Rescue 3533 is a 2007 Freightliner M2 4- door/American LaFrance 19' walk-around heavy rescue. It is powered by a 330 hp Mercedes Diesel, it has a 35kw Onan p.t.o generator, 15' telescoping 9000watt Wil-Burt night sacn light tower. The foam system is a 60 gallon cafs "snuffer", it carries a full compliment of ART Genesis extrication tools, misc firefighting tools including a Bullard TIC, and a selection of ground ladders. Inside the truck has a 5 position Fire-Com intercom system and is equipped with 2 Icom mobile radios and a reverse camera system

Early Morning Garage Fire
11/1/2007 - An early morning garage fire in Trees Subdivision is still under investigation.  Great job to all that responded.

Retired Captain Clarence Moss
10/12/2007 - On Friday, October 12, LOFS Fire Force lost one of their own, Retired Captain Clarence Moss. "Moss", as everyone around the fire houses knew him, was an avid volunteer originally at Dolton Fire. Upon moving to NW Indiana, he tirelessly helped develop the LOFS Fire Force into what it is today. A huge part of the Fire Cadet Program, he introduced many of the current LOFS members to the fire service, then continued to be both a mentor and a great friend. He will truly be missed.

Saint Anthony's 'Healthy Families Fair' at Winfield
10/05/2007 - Saturday October 20th 9am - 1pm at Jerry Ross Elementary School - 11319 Randolph Street. This half-day event features drawings, free screenings including pulmonary function screening.  There will be several free health and safety booths.  Come out to Jerry Ross and visit! More information

Fall Crazy Bunco - Oct 19 6pm Station 1
10/05/2007 - Fall Crazy Bunco scheduled for Friday, October 19 at LOFS Fire Station 1.

Lots of Food, Fun, and Prizes.  For more information contact Mary @ 988.3813

2007 Porter County Fair Detail
7/23/2007 - Firefighters volunteer time for fire department coverage of the Porter County Fair.   Thanks for helping out everyone!

2007 "Extreme Training" Water Rescue and Vehicle Extrication Class
7/21/2007 - The "Extreme Training" division of LOFS Fire along with firefighters from Boone Grove, Union Twp, and Crown Point fire departments have yet another successful Water Rescue and Vehicle Extrication Class.  Thanks for all those who came out to help!

Lt. LaDuke proposes to girlfriend (Nikki) in CP Parade

7/4/2007 - Lt. Kevin LaDuke surprised his girlfriend Nicole Aubuchon when he jumped from Engine 3511 during Crown Point's July Fourth parade and proposed to her. She said yes.
Link to NWI Times website article

FireFighters working together outside the station

May 07 - Firefighters work to roof Captain Campbell's house.  Working as a team even outside the fire house.

Dive Team Responds to Kankakee River

6/14/2007 - Divers from Lakes of the Four Seasons Fire Force respond to Momence, IL on the Kankakee River to search for a grandfather and 5 year old granddaughter who were reported missing Wednesday night.
6/15/2007 - Five-year-old  was found alive about 10:20 a.m. this morning.
Searchers find missing girl alive on Kankakee River (nwitimes.com)

Training

Four Seasons Fire Force constantly works to improve their knowledge on how to respond to a multitude of incidents. Firefighter Eshelman demonstrates the proper sequence for lighting a portable hand held oxygen/acetylene torch.

Boot Drive

Thank You to all who participated on Saturday, Kevin, Mike, Graham, Bobbie, Eddie, Matt, Dave, Troy, Eric...oh yea...and thank you Andy. You all did a great Job.  

   Please check the members only page often, it could be informative.

Saint John Training Facility

Tuesday nights training was held at St. John's training facility. Ventilation and finding the fire were priority skills.

2006 Awards / Dinner Dance
On Saturday evening March 11th. the owners of Double Tree hosted the annual dinner and dance. The food was prepared and served by Teibel's Restaurant. Awards were presented to Josh Wyant, Mike Streeter, Mark Baumgardner, Jason Seifert, Pat Savell and Mike Parks. The music was supplied by Gary Shipman and Steven Martin Photography was on hand to capture and preserve the event. 

Photos From Stephen Martin Photography

Diver Challenge & Obstacle Course
February 25th Asst. Chief Radtke set up a challenging obstacle course. The test was demanding but manageable. Safety was the first priority. Skills were tested and honed. At one station the diver had to cut away wire, thread, twine to obtain a colored washer worth twenty dollars, while being hindered by a blacked out mask. Kevin's wallet is non the lighter for all the effort put forth by the challengers. 

Board Member Appointed
Lt. Jeremy Campbell has been appointed to serve the remainder of the vacated treasurers term. Good luck Jeremy...

 

Two new members voted onto LOFS Fire

February 7, welcomed two new probationary firefighters to our ranks. Matthew Melton and Ryan Burgess, who are also enrolled in our EMT-Basic course, will begin an intense training program to prepare them to be safe and competent firefighters.

Board Member Resigns

February 7, 2006 the Four Seasons Fire Force Board of Directors, accepted a letter of resignation from Lori Lyn Sadelack. Lori wished to be placed on the part time paramedic list. Lori stated that the time commitment for the position of treasurer and volunteer FF has become to great at this time. Lori's help and efforts will be greatly missed. Thanks Lori. 

LOFS FD Named Paramedic Provider of the Year

September 17, 2005: Chief Parks, Asst. Chief Radtke, Captain Kulesa and Lt. Savell traveled to Indianapolis to accept the honor of "Provider of the Year" awarded by the State of Indiana Emergency Medical Services Commission.

Sta. 1 Dedication Parade Participants 

Firefighter Challenge, Parade, & Station Dedication

August 20, 2005: The new station dedication ceremony held on Saturday was a tremendous hit. The public packed the grounds for the ribbon cutting and firefighter challenge. A parade featuring fire trucks from around NW Indiana started off the day. Click for more.

 

Grant Delivers New Water Rescue Vehicles  
August 3, 2005: Congressman Pete Visclosky announced on Tuesday the department's dive team received two water rescue vehicles through the Law Loan/Government Purchase Program for search, recovery and rescue missions. The 2005 Yamaha FX Cruisers were delivered by Tall Timbers Marina of Monticello and Xtreme Motorsports of Hammond. More info coming.