Eight graduate from MAAC fire training
In partnership with the Northwest Indiana District 1 Firefighter Training Council, eight new firefighters recently completed training at the MAAC Foundation in Valparaiso.
The eight graduates representing the Portage, Lake Hills, Ogden Dunes, Whiting and Hobart Fire Departments have completed the 11-week
training program that included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations and technical rescue, along with other firefighting skills, according to a release.
Graduates included: Jacob Davis, Lake Hills Fire Department; Austin DeYoung, Portage Fire Department; Brodrick Claesgens, Portage Fire
Department; Sartori Chiaro, Portage Fire Department; Nicholas Duncan, Ogden Dunes Fire Department; Alekzandr Rhody, Portage Fire Department; Trey Cook, Whiting Fire Department; and Kyle Smith, Hobart Fire Department.
For more information about the MAAC Foundation, visit www.maacfoundation.org.
Franciscan Health Crown Point expands Lurie partnership
Franciscan Health Crown Point and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago are expanding their partnership with the addition
of a Lurie Children’s pediatric hospitalist to serve patients admitted to the Crown Point hospital, according to a release.
The collaboration, which was effective July 1, helps to ensure Northwest Indiana children and adolescents receive comprehensive care
closer to home, the release said.
The partnership allows for Lurie Children’s pediatricians to provide daily management of pediatric inpatients, in-house care 24/7 in the
pediatric inpatient unit, coordination of care with the child’s pediatrician, management of care for newborns and pediatric consultations in the emergency department, the release said.
More information about Franciscan Health Crown Point is available online or by calling 219-738-2100.
Valparaiso police announce new roles, promotions
Three Valparaiso police officers have received promotions and two others laterally transferred as of July 1, according to a release.
Joe Cowser has been promoted to lieutenant, while John Cordova and Alex Sprowl are now sergeants in the department. The promotions will retain these officers in the Patrol Division, while current Patrol Lt. Sean Kostelnik, will be assigned as the Community Services Officer and
current Patrol Sgt. Peter Castillo has joined the Investigations Division, a release said.
Event recycling containers available to rent
The Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County offers free event recycling containers to residents, according to a release, a
program that aims to make recycling more accessible and convenient for households, businesses and community events.
The District supplies the collection containers and clear collection bags. Each container features clear labeling and instructions to
ensure proper sorting and disposal of recyclable materials.
To borrow the containers, visit www.PorterCountyRecycling.org/special-event-recycling at least one week prior to the event to confirm the availability. More information on the program is available on the district’s website at www.PorterCountyRecycling.org.
Franciscan Health Dyer hosting suicide prevention course
Franciscan Health Dyer is hosting a free suicide-prevention course July 24, according to a release.
The course is based on curriculum developed by the QPR Institute and aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing
innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training, the release said. Indiana Department of Health reports 1,136 suicides
occurred in Indiana in 2022 with Lake County having the second highest number of suicides in the state, according to the release.
Franciscan Health Dyer is hosting the course from 10 a.m. to noon July 24 in the administrative conference room of the hospital at 24 Joliet
St. in Dyer. Registration is required. Contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Stacy Zembala at Stacy.Zembala@franciscanalliance.org to register.
