NW Indiana District 1

09/19/2026

Today's 2026 FRADD event at the MAAC Foundation is canceled due to 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.

06/20/2026

🚑Upcoming Indiana EMS District Forums 🚑

• LaPorte Thursday, June 25th
• Lafayette Thursday, July 30th

A great opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and collaborate with peers committed to advancing emergency medical services.

📅 Check the schedule and make plans to attend—your voice matters!

04/21/2026

Hi, I'm Lori Postma,

I've spent 15 years helping bring order to chaos through incident management. I'm a qualified Type 3 Incident Commander, Planning Section Chief, and Liaison Officer. In Indiana, I serve as one of four State Team Leaders/Incident Commanders and sit on the State Qualifications Committee.
I'm proud to serve as the IMTA Vice President, Region 5 Director, and Board Liaison to the Education & Training Committee—an initiative I've been involved with since its inception.

Professionally, I bring 25 years of experience as a registered nurse and currently serve as the Manager of Emergency Management for Franciscan Health Hospitals in Dyer, Hammond, and Munster, Indiana. I've been a Lake Township Fire Department firefighter for over 20 years, including over a decade as the department's Public Information Officer.

At this moment, our profession is facing a time of significant uncertainty. Many of our colleagues have lost their federal positions, and questions about the future are weighing heavily on our community. In moments like this, unity and a collective voice are more important than ever.

That's why I'm proud to be a part of the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA). IMTA brings us together—offering strength, legitimacy, and a respected voice in conversations with top-level government leaders. It's the kind of influence we simply can't achieve alone.

The more IMT professionals who join, the greater our impact. A growing membership means more vigorous advocacy, increased recognition, and enhanced support for our mission-driven work across the country.

If you're part of an IMT, now is the time to get involved. By joining IMTA, you'll help ensure our voices are heard—and that we continue to protect and serve our communities effectively.

🔗 Become a member today: https://www.ahimta.org/membership

04/17/2026

Breaking news! The FEMA Independent Study (IS) site has been RESTORED as of this morning!

If you have been waiting to get copies of your IS course certificates or to complete a training in that system e.g.: IS/ICS-100, IS/ICS-200, IS-700, IS-800, etc.. now is the time!

https://training.fema.gov/is/

03/21/2026

Integrated Public Safety Commission - Indiana (IPSC) combining into Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) effective July 1, 2026.

03/16/2026

Indiana District 1 Skywarn is seeking volunteer storm spotters - licensed amateur and GMRS radio operators from northwestern Indiana.

You can find a copy of your certification in the transcripts section of your MetEd portal or from an NWS spotter training course. Below are two examples of certificates:

03/15/2026

"Beyond the Warning: A Look at Weather Forecasting and Preparedness" (In Person):

This free, brand new, and open-to-the-public 2-hour in-person seminar will take place 6:30 to 8:30 PM this Thursday evening, March 19, 2026 in the Anderson Library and Conference Center, Indiana University Northwest, 130 W 35th Ave, Gary IN, 46408.

During the seminar, NWS meteorologists will talk about how thunderstorms develop, how to prepare for severe weather, and how to interpret radar data. Participants will also walk through a forecast scenario, going through a behind-the-scenes look at how NWS meteorologists craft a forecast. The content of the seminars is suitable for anyone age 12 and above.

Pre-register at:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-warning-tickets-1982300911388?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/24/2025

Rest in peace Andrew (Andy) Finick, Jr. W9FXT. Ham radios reach places that no other radios can, but I think Heaven may have different frequencies. We will miss you down here; thank you for sharing your gift of communication with the District and so many others. Over and Out, we'll take it from here.

10/31/2025

As you get ready to go Trick Or Treating tonight, make sure to take a picture of your ghosts and goblins and use it to update your profile.

Smart911.com is a free program for those in Porter and Lake counties. It creates a safety profile only seen by you and 911 dispatchers. Upload your family's pictures, emergency contact information and more.

Download the app today and make your free safety profile.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/smart911/id1413223852

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ravemobilesafety.mysmart911

10/30/2025

Need Food Resources? • Dial 2-1-1 or Click IN211.org
• Click the blue food button:
• Type in a zip code & click enter
• View listings of food resources nearest that zip code.