Merrillville FOP Lodge 168

06/08/2026

Your department not getting raises? We do….Can’t have a beard or visible tattoos? We can….Can’t be proactive police officer at your department, come join us and be as proactive as you want

🚔 NOW HIRING – LATERAL POLICE OFFICERS 🚔
Ready to take the next step in your law enforcement career?
The Merrillville Police Department is currently accepting applications for Lateral Hire Applicants through August 1, 2026.
✅ 12-Hour Shifts
✅ Take-Home Squad Cars
✅ PERF Retirement
✅ Overtime & Approved Side Jobs
✅ Competitive Lateral Pay & Vacation Benefits
✅ Specialized Units Including K9, SWAT, CSI, Detective, SRO, Drone Pilot, and More
If you're a certified law enforcement officer looking for a department that values professionalism, opportunity, and growth, we want to hear from you.
📅 Application Deadline: August 1, 2026

06/04/2026

This morning we had our first Retiree Breakfast at Baja’s Restaurant in Winfield….we got to sit and talk to some of our former police officers. Pictured are many chiefs, commanders, and patrol supervisors…lots of years of knowledge and good policing. It was fun to get with these guys and catch up on their lives. Some of the retirees meet monthly for breakfast and this time the FOP Executive board and some members got to join. Thank you to our retirees for letting us attend. Great job to Baja’s staff for doing a great job to make sure we all ate at the same time.

05/14/2026

One of my favorite fundraisers (outside of ours) and all we have to do is collect money for Special Olympics….make sure you stop at our Dunkin (30/Cleveland) and help Merrillville be the top collector….see you tomorrow

05/13/2026

Recently we noticed some sagging in the exterior walls of our beautiful memorial and Brother Minchuk reached out and got some help to get our memorial some love. Sadly, it’s being completed during Police Week…but the goal was to have it completed when Nick Schultz’s mom comes to town, with the COPS riders July 10th and leave July 11th.

Furthermore, she is taking donations for her ride…please make sure to donate to her and help her be the top donor.

https://www.copscycling4survivors.org/campaign/2026-cops-cycling-for-survivors/fundraiser/253/?fbclid=IwRlRTSARxwnNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeyu2Q99F8iZb7YZFlf-nkDjklrw89gg6uCKqT08tme-BmVHxgNxjIn5uWZpg_aem_YWdncwAWsMt0cT5weN4hWVT2IGoE

04/23/2026

Today at NILEA (Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy) NWI State FOP Trustee Curtis Minchuk, Merrilllville FOP Trustee Joe Cooper, and Lake County FOP President Chris Akey spoke to the new recruits about the importance of the FOP and joining Legal Defense.

04/22/2026

Finally got our 2 Chris Zorich jerseys in and got them signed for our chili cook off winner Dave Centofanti and the Presidents Pick Chili Barb Gornik…I will be reaching out to give the winners their signed jerseys…thanks again to Chris Zorich for being a huge help to us

04/09/2026

Tonight representatives from the Merrillville FOP, Hammond FOP, Lake County FOP, and Lake Station FOP showed up to support USW members and brought firewood, snacks, and water for their members who are fighting for their jobs and a fair contract at BP.

03/09/2026

The Merrillville Police Department is accepting applications from state-certified police officers seeking a lateral transfer. Review the attached graphic for information on benefits and requirements. Applications are available at merrillville.in.gov/pdjobs
April 2 is the deadline to apply.

03/08/2026

Mark your calendars for April 15th

02/19/2026

Tonight at the February meeting, due to vacancy at President, Vice President Bunnell was sworn in as the President of Lodge 168 for 2026 by NWI FOP Trustee, Brother Minchuk. After President Bunnell was sworn in, he swore in 3 new Brothers into the Lodge. Please welcome new Merrillville FOP members, Christopher Bartholomew, Joseph Briggs, and Colin Arndt