Porter County Search and Rescue Team

10/05/2026

Sunday's are for training..

This evening some of our members gathered to see updates made to our SAR Operations trailer to make it more useful on searches. They then took part in a "You're First On Scene, Now What" exercise. The drill focused on gathering information and initiating the search.

Photo: team members in the back of the SAR Ops trailer fill out essential paperwork and ask questions during a drill.

09/24/2026

Our Director, who also serves as the President of the Indiana Search and Rescue Association (INSARA), presented at the 2026 Indiana 911 Professionals Conference in Noblesville last week.

The presentation drew 51 public safety dispatchers and emergency professionals for a discussion on search and rescue (SAR) operations in Indiana. Key topics included the essential role 911 telecommunicators play during lost and missing person responses, an overview of Lost Person Behavior principles used in search planning, critical green and red flags to evaluate SAR team capabilities, and details on available state resources and contact pathways.

This presentation marks another milestone in INSARA's ongoing educational outreach. Over the past year, association leadership has also presented to stakeholders at both the Indiana Coroners Conference and the Emergency Management Association of Indiana Conference.

09/19/2026

This event has been CANCELED due to the weather

FRADD 2026 CANCELED DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER

We are disappointed to share that, after consultation with the National Weather Service and Porter County Emergency Management, we have made the incredibly difficult decision to cancel today’s First Responder Appreciation & Demonstration Day.

FRADD was planned to be a rain-or-shine event, and we were prepared for rain. Unfortunately, the forecasted conditions, particularly the threat of lightning and severe weather, create public safety concerns that we simply cannot ignore. The safety of our attendees, participating first responders, volunteers, vendors and staff has to come first.

An incredible amount of work has gone into preparing for today, and more than 60 departments, agencies and organizations were ready to join us on campus. We know how much our community looks forward to FRADD, and we are absolutely devastated that we cannot welcome everyone today.

To every first responder, volunteer, sponsor, vendor, partner and community member who has supported this event: thank you. We are incredibly grateful for you, and we are so sorry that circumstances beyond anyone’s control have brought us to this decision.

Please help us spread the word that FRADD is canceled today, Saturday, September 19. Thank you for understanding and for continuing to support the MAAC Foundation and our first responders.

09/17/2026

They're not wrong! Unfortunately these misconceptions prevail across the US.

09/14/2026

No one likes to get drug into the week after a nice weekend outside.... But if you're going to, at least take a dog with you(or have them take you with them) and enjoy it!

Photos from weekly K9 training in Portage.

09/11/2026

. Many of us on the team wouldn't be who and what we are know if it wasn't for that day.

09/01/2026

It's not a secret that volunteer fire departments are hurting for members. It's also not a secret that most fire calls are medical oriented.

Our friends at Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department are tackling the need by recruiting for medical responders. If you meet the qualifications, please set up and help!

🚑 Join the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department!
We’re looking for Emergency Medical Responders to help provide critical care at the scene of emergencies and support our firefighters during rehab operations.

Requirements:
• Must have or be able to obtain EMR-Basic commission
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Must be at least 18 years old

💪 Step Up and Respond!
Volunteer with us and make a difference in your community.

📧 Apply today: [email protected]

Learn more at: https://libertyfd.org/join/

Image: Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department flyer recruiting EMRs. Includes department logo, Step Up and Respond, a fire engine and an EMS employee providing patient care. Requirements include EMR-Basic certification, communication skills, problem-solving, and age 18+. Contact email shown.

08/26/2026

K9 Rowdy is jumping for joy to celebrate National Dog Day.
Tell your dog that we said Hi. :)

08/17/2026

Porter County, we need your help!

If your home, property, trees, utilities, or farm were damaged by the recent derecho, please take a few minutes to report the damage to Indiana 211.

Your report helps local, state, and federal officials understand the extent of the damage and determine what resources may be needed to help our communities recover.

📲 Report online: "Indiana 211 Disaster Damage Reporting Tool"

https://in211.communityos.org/IDHS_Disaster_Damage_Reporting_Tool

You can also call 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

Even if you’re unsure whether your damage qualifies, please report it. Every report helps.

Please share this post with your Porter County friends and neighbors!

08/13/2026

Chesterton and Porter folks, stop by and get a burger and dog!

*Update* We’ve run out of burgers. We’ll do hotdogs until we run out. Now offering free hotdogs until about 3pm