Merrillville Firefighters IAFF Local 5489

08/30/2025

Earlier today, Merrillville Professional Firefighters Local 5489 members acted quickly during a house fire and were able to rescue an adult and a child.

Their training, courage, and teamwork made the difference when it mattered most. Thanks to their fast action, two lives were saved.

We are keeping the family in our prayers and hope for a full recovery for everyone involved.

We’re proud of our brothers and sisters for their bravery and dedication to keeping our community safe. We also want to thank the other departments that assisted today — your support made a difference.

Join us in congratulating these firefighters for a job well done!

08/11/2025

Thank You for an Incredible Day!

A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us for the 2nd Annual Merrillville Firefighters Golf Outing—our golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. You made it an unforgettable day of fun, community, and generosity.

Because of your support, we’re able to continue funding important local programs and initiatives that make a real difference right here in Merrillville.

📸 We’ve shared photos from the day so you can relive the moments—check them out, tag your friends, and share your favorites!

From all of us at Local 5489, thank you for making this event such a success. We couldn’t have done it without you. ❤️

05/28/2025

Today, members of Merrillville Professional Firefighters Local 5489 had the honor of spending the day at Hoosier Burn Camp for Visitor’s Day.

This camp is all about helping kids who have been through tough burn injuries feel strong, confident, and supported. It’s a place where they can laugh, try new things, and just be themselves.

We’re proud to be here—not just to show support, but to connect with these amazing kids and remind them they’re never alone.

It means a lot to us to give back to the next generation and stand by a camp that’s truly making a difference.

💻 Learn more or support the camp at hoosierburncamp.org

05/27/2025

It’s Back!
Join us for the 2nd Annual Merrillville Firefighters Golf Outing on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Innsbrook Country Club!

Great food. Great people. Great cause.
Whether you’re swinging for birdies or sponsoring a hole, your support helps us give back to the community we proudly serve.

👉 Register or sponsor now: https://l5489.com/2025-Golf

05/19/2025

Today the Local 5489 members teamed up with the Merrillville Fire Department and the Merrillville High School football team and Ross Township Trustee Eric Blackmon to help clean up the Merrillville Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

We spent time pulling weeds, picking up litter, and pressure washing to make sure the memorial looks great for the upcoming holiday. Huge thank you to Steve Minchuck for helping put this together.

We hope to see you at the Memorial Day Parade on Monday at 10:00 AM. Let’s honor our veterans and remember the true meaning of the day.

04/12/2025

$𝟮𝟱𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗖𝘂𝘁 = 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀

Let’s break it down…

By year three, Senate Bill 1 could take $250,000 away from your Merrillville Fire Department.

That kind of cut could mean:

🚑 Delays in emergency response

🧯 Less funding for firefighter training and safety gear

🚒 A harder time keeping up with calls as our town grows

We’re not trying to scare anyone — we’re just being honest. Firefighters can’t do more with less forever.

This bill is coming from the state, not the town. And we need your help to stop it.

📢 Tell your state lawmakers: Don’t take funding away from public safety.

👉 Use this link to take action:

Local government finance.

04/10/2025

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘼𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚

This bill isn’t just about firefighters.

📉 SB1 could hurt:

Our schools 🏫

Our police 🚔

Our roads and parks 🛣️

Our homes 🏠

The fire department alone will lose $250,000 by year 3. That makes it harder for us to keep YOU safe.

We’re asking everyone in Merrillville to take a few minutes to act.

📬 Go to this link, find your legislators, and tell them:
❌ No to cuts that hurt our hometown.
✅ Yes to keeping our fire department strong.

🔗 https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/in/2025/bills/INB00014156/

Please share this post. We’re all in this together.

04/10/2025

𝑰𝒇 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔, 𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑷𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆?

If Senate Bill 1 becomes law, YOU will feel it.

Here’s what it could mean for Merrillville:

🚒 $250,000 lost from fire services

👮 Less money for police and emergency response

🏫 School funding cuts

🚧 Delays in fixing roads, plowing snow, or repairing water lines

This bill may sound like tax relief… but the real cost is to public safety and community services.

📣 Stand up for your hometown. Let your voice be heard before it’s too late.

✉️ Email or call your legislators NOW:
🔗 https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/in/2025/bills/INB00014156/

✅ It only takes 2 minutes to protect your town. Please share this.

04/08/2025

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐬 𝐎𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞

🚨 Big news, Merrillville — the Indiana State Legislature is voting on Senate Bill 1, and if it passes, it will cut funding to your fire department by $50,000 next year. By year three, we’ll lose $250,000. That’s huge.

This bill isn’t coming from the Town of Merrillville — it’s coming from the STATE. And it’s not just fire departments. It will also affect:

🚔 Police departments

🏫 Public schools

🛠️ Public works like road repairs and plowing

Less money means fewer firefighters, older equipment, and slower response times in emergencies. We’re doing everything we can, but we need your help.

👉 Take action now: Go here to contact your lawmakers:
🔗 https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/in/2025/bills/INB00014156/

💬 Speak up. Your voice matters.

03/19/2025

🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! 🚨

Want a night filled with gambling, live music, and delicious food while supporting a great cause?

🔥 PFB Hoosier Casino Royale – April 18, 2025
🔥 Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
🔥 Benefiting Project Fire Buddies

👀 See that QR code? 👀
📲 Scan it NOW to get your tickets!

Limited availability—don’t wait! 🎟️

02/27/2025

Congratulations to Patrick Westbury for receiving Firefighter of the month.

Over the past few years, Pat has made major improvements in his mindset and leadership, and his impact on our department and the entire first responder community has been outstanding.

One of the biggest ways Pat has stepped up is by leading the conversation around first responders mental health. He’s been a strong advocate, helping not just our team but first responders across the region face these challenges head-on. His efforts are making a real difference in how we support each other in this tough job.

On top of that, Pat took on the demanding role of Training Officer, ensuring our team is well-prepared for anything that comes our way. He’s also stepped in as Acting Captain, bringing stability and leadership when we needed it most.

Pat’s dedication, hard work, and willingness to step up in critical moments make him a great example for all of us. He’s not just doing his job—he’s making our department stronger.

12/29/2024

We’re honored to stand beside these brave kids and their families as we work to make a difference, one life at a time. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events.