Cleveland Township Fire Department

10/05/2026

Training Spotlight: Rope Rescue Technician

This past week, two of our members completed a Rope Operations and Technician-Level Certification course hosted by the Goshen City Fire Department.

Our Assistant Chief also served as one of the instructors for the course.

Rope rescue training provides firefighters with extensive knowledge and hands-on skills in rope systems, rescue operations, equipment, and technical rescue techniques. The skills gained through this training can be brought back to our department, strengthening our capabilities and expanding our knowledge base when responding to technical rescue incidents.

Rope Technician certification also serves as a prerequisite for additional technical rescue disciplines, including swiftwater, trench, confined space, and structural collapse rescue.

Congratulations to Firefighter Kenny and Captain Litchford on successfully completing this demanding course! Rope rescue requires a significant level of physical ability, technical knowledge, teamwork, and mental focus, and we are proud of their commitment to continuing their training and improving our department’s ability to serve our community.

Great job, gentlemen!

10/05/2026

The last couple weeks our crews have been working on extrication training. From foundation basics to scenarios, this time is used to keep our skills and knowledge sharp. A huge thank you to Tom’s Auto Service & Towing for dropping off the cars, without their help we couldn’t have this training. We appreciate you investing in our community!

09/28/2026

Boating accident callout: this evening crews were dispatched to assist Baugo Township Fire Department with a boat accident and, at the time, an unknown number of victims. Another call into 911 dispatch reported that the boat and occupants were by their residence, in Cleveland Township.

Cleveland crews arrived at the second location and located the boat and 3 occupants. All victims were out of the water at that time. Concord Township Fire Department and DNR were also contacted for additional boats while information was gathered to ensure all victims were out of the water. Elkhart County Sheriff were also on scene.

All victims were assessed by EMS and transported from the scene. This is an on going police investigation. Thank you to Baugo Township Fire Department, Concord Township Fire Department, DNR, and Elkhart County Sheriff for your help. Water rescue calls are very complex because where the call originated is often not where the victims are located when emergency crews arrive. It takes a lot of communication and teamwork on these calls.

09/11/2026

We love animals, and many of us love our dogs. In addition to all the brave first responders, the rescue efforts of the search teams would never have been as successful as they were without the use of K9 searches. These dogs went in, on, and under rubble to locate victims and lead rescuers to their locations. Without these dogs, many would have died. Not to mention the therapeutic relief they brought to victims and responders with their love and affection. Dogs are truly wonderful animals. ♥️🦮🐶

More than 300 dogs took part in the search, rescue and recovery efforts at ground zero following 9/11.

09/11/2026

Today we take time to pause and remember all those who gave their lives both as responders and victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Followed by the members of the military who subsequently went and fought as a direct response to these attacks. These are the heroes of a generation, with so many stories of brave fire, police, and EMS personnel rushing in to overwhelming circumstances to help so many people in need. There are dozens and dozens of stories of first responders running into danger even after they were ordered to leave because of imminent collapse. They stayed with the victims to comfort them and care for them in their final moments. They fought to rescue every single person they could. Today is the day we remember and honor their service. We will never forget.

09/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the MDA fundraiser. You helped raise over $5,000! It was a VERY hot day but the community showed up! We appreciate everyone taking time out of their Saturday to help this year and Elkhart Indian Motorcycle for hosting. We’ll see you next year!

09/04/2026

Good afternoon everyone! We are out at Walmart on Bypass road collecting money for MDA! Come see us and say hi! We will be here until 4pm today.

08/16/2026

We want to take a moment and give a special farewell to Marcus Love. FF Love serves with the National Guard and will be deploying soon, for a state side operation. Today is his last day on shift before he goes on leave. Thank you FF Love for your commitment to not only our community but our great nation as well. God speed and return home safely soldier.

08/13/2026

PSA: Our outdoor warning sirens have been switched to trigger off of Goshen's system. This means our outdoor warning sirens will test Thursday at 2pm. This is a change from the previous test day and time. Please pass this along so that there is no confusion. We appreciate the help of Goshen Fire Department, Middlebury Electric, and ERS for helping ensure our system functions properly to keep our citizens safe. The transition occurred this week and we appreciate all the help from everyone to make this transition possible.