Merrillville FOP Lodge 168

09/07/2026

Today, We Remember Officer Nick Schultz

Today marks a day that the we, at the Merrillville Police Department, will never forget.

Twelve years ago today, Officer Nick Schultz succumbed to the gunshot wounds he sustained two days earlier while courageously serving our community.

Nick was more than a badge and a uniform. He was a son, a brother, a friend, a fellow officer, and a member of our Merrillville Police Department family. His life was tragically cut short, but the impact he made during his time with us continues to be felt.

The passage of time does not erase the loss. It simply reminds us of how long it has been since Nick was taken from his family, his friends, his brothers and sisters in blue, and the community he swore to protect.

Even in his final act of service, Nick continued to help others. Through the selfless donation of his organs, he gave the gift of life to those he would never know.

That kind of selflessness says so much about the person Nick was.

Twelve years later, we still remember his name. We still honor his sacrifice. And we still miss our brother.

Today, and every day, the Merrillville Police Department remembers Officer Nick Schultz.

Rest easy, Nick. You will never be forgotten.

🖤💙🖤

Merrillville Police Department

08/16/2026

NIPSCO will be collaborating with the Town of Highland to host lunch and dinner on Tuesday, August 18, at the Lincoln Community Center.

The event will run from noon to 6:00PM, with 500 lunch meals being served at noon and 500 dinner meals being served at 4:30PM.

NIPSCO customer service will also be available.

08/12/2026

As you may know, the Merrillville Police Department is finally getting renovated with some major changes. Yesterday, former President Vasel found this gem in the storage area at the pd and asked if I wanted it. This is where Lodge 168 started. These are the names of the brothers that founded our lodge in 1975. A major piece of history for Lodge 168.

08/02/2026

Today was another favorite event for our Lodge. Back-to-School Shop with a Cop. With the assistance of one of our SRO’s, Sister Ellis, she was able to get 30 kids who were affected from the recent storms. We were able to meet with them at Meijer and let them buy whatever they needed for school. Thank you to Meijer for being a continued supporter of our programs. Thank you to our lodge members President Bunnell, Treasurer Gonzales, Secretary Hensley, Brothers Clanton, Berzac, Schmidt, Nash, and Bartholomew for coming and helping our kids shop. We hope all the students have a successful year. Furthermore thank you to all of our supporters. This is another event we are able to sponsor because of your donations, it’s because of your continued support that we can donate back to our community.

07/31/2026

It’s that time of the year, annual Merrillville FOP and Merrillville High Football cookout. For the last couple years we started doing a cookout for our high school football players. What a better way to talk with our student athletes than buying food and cooking it for them during their practice. When we have fundraisers and ask for support, this is one of the events we do.

Today, President Bunnell (former Pirate), Treasurer Gonzales (former Pirate), NWI State Trustee Minchuk (former Pirate), and Trustee Cooper hosted our players and coaches. It’s an event we love and we feel it bridges the gap between our athletes and the cops that protect them. Thank you Merrillville Pirates for letting us cook and talk…we are hoping for another great year of football and let’s win state this year. We are here for you and will be cheering you on…Go Pirates 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

07/22/2026

07/14/2026

Come work for a department where the town admin works with the FOP for better pay and benefits…plus all our fleet is 2023 or newer

The Merrillville Police Department is looking for dedicated men and women who are committed to serving with integrity, professionalism and pride. If you’re ready to serve the community, then visit merrillville.in.gov/pdjobs to download an application. The deadline to apply is Friday, Aug. 14.
The Merrillville Police Department will host a Recruitment Day from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 30 at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway.
This is an opportunity to meet officers, ask questions and learn about the hiring process.

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.