In partnership with the Northwest Indiana District 1 Firefighter Training Council, the MAAC Foundation announces the graduation of its 11th Fire Academy. The ceremony was Friday April 21, 2023, at the MAAC Foundation First Responders Training Campus in Valparaiso. The 17 graduates represent Crown Point, Dyer, East Chicago, Michigan City, New Carlisle, North Judson, Portage, St. John, and Concord Township in Elkhart County. A news release said the rigorous 11-week program included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations, and other firefighting skills, and they also learned about the importance of community service and public education.
“We are proud to welcome these 17 new firefighters to our community,” said Celina Weatherwax, President of the MAAC Foundation. “They have demonstrated the dedication and commitment necessary to serve as first responders and we are confident that they will make a positive impact in Elkhart, Lake, La Porte, Porter, and St. Joseph Counties.”
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have trained these capable firefighters,” said Battalion Chief Chris Crail, Academy Commander. “They have learned to adapt and overcome challenges throughout the academy. It is my hope that these students understand the skills they learned here are applicable to more than only firefighting, these are skills to carry with them for the rest of their life.”
For more information about the MAAC Foundation, visit www.maacfoundation.org .
