Randy Novak - State Representative for District 9

09/22/2026

Today we lost a great man and a good friend!

The Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana mourns the passing of our President Emeritus, Brother Tom Miller, whose lifetime of service and leadership helped shape the fire service, organized labor, and the lives of countless fire fighters across Indiana and North America.

Tom's service began in 1964 when he joined the United States Navy. After serving two tours of duty in Vietnam aboard the USS Tioga County, he returned home to Indianapolis, where he joined the Indianapolis Fire Department in 1968. A proud member of Indianapolis Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 416, he served as trustee and vice president before taking on leadership roles that would ultimately influence the fire service across Indiana and North America. Tom served as President of the PFFUI from 1978 to 2002, leading our organization through decades of growth and progress while steadfastly advocating for the rights, benefits, and safety of professional fire fighters. His influence extended far beyond Indiana, through his service as IAFF 8th District Vice President and later as General Secretary-Treasurer of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Tom's commitment to the fire service was deeply personal. After losing his father, an Indianapolis firefighter, in the line of duty when he was just nine years old, he dedicated his life to serving others. Throughout his career, Tom was a tireless advocate for active and retired fire fighters, particularly on pensions and benefits. His work on behalf of Indiana's public safety professionals leaves a legacy that will continue to benefit generations of fire fighters and their families.

While Tom's accomplishments were extraordinary, those who knew him best will remember his sense of humor, his unwavering loyalty, and his willingness to help anyone in need. In his own words, he simply wanted to be remembered as someone who liked to help people. Few individuals have lived that principle more fully.

The PFFUI extends its deepest condolences to his wife Barb, their children, the members of Indianapolis Local 416, and all who were fortunate enough to know and work alongside Tom.

His legacy lives on in the strength of our union, the protections secured for fire fighters, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey of service.

Rest in peace, Brother Miller.

The PFFUI will share information regarding visitation and funeral services as soon as arrangements are finalized.

09/11/2026

WE WILL NEVER FORGET

08/14/2026

Please help share this with everyone in Northern, Indiana that is the need of services after the devastating storm went through.
If you have no damage and are able to volunteer, please reach out to any of these organizations below as they can always use more assistance serving our community. 
Now is the time to come together to help all of our neighbors in need. Please check on family, friends and neighbors in this very difficult time.

Hurricane-force winds and severe storms have caused power outages and widespread damage across our community. Times like this remind us how resilient and tight-knit LaPorte County is. Please check in on elderly neighbors, families with young children, and anyone who may need extra support in the next few days as many of us are without power, food, water, shelter, and other vital supplies.

We will get through this together. Stay safe, hang in there, and take care of one another! ❤️

If you are without power, displaced, or in need of support, please utilize these local emergency resources:

OXYGEN TANK AND WATER CONTAINER REFILLS:

La Porte County residents can refill their drinking water containers at the La Porte Fire Stations:

📍LPFD Station 1 - 809 W. 18th Street, La Porte
📍LPFD Station 2 - 115 E. Shore Parkway, La Porte
📍LPFDStation 3 - 710 Daytona Street, La Porte

📍LPFD Station 3 will be the designated station to fill oxygen tanks for residents.
🕗 Hours for oxygen and water refills are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CDT

The Salvation Army - LaPorte, IN is distributing free sacked meals and bottled water to anyone in need at the following locations and times today, 8/14:

📍 Hanna (at the park) at 2pm CDT
📍 Union Mills (fire station) at 2:30pm CDT
📍 Kingsford Heights (fire station) at 3pm CDT
📍 La Porte City Hall at 4pm CDT
📍 La Porte (Civic Auditorium) at 5pm CDT

📍Westville Fire Station 208 N Flynn Rd, Westville
🥪 Free Meals
🕗 5pm-6pm CDT (MONDAY)

📍 YMCA 901 Michigan Ave, La Porte
🪫Charging station
🚿Showers facilities available
🕗 MON-FRI 5am-9pm CDT
🕗SATURDAY 6am-4pm CDT
🕗SUNDAY 10am-4pm CDT
*Just bring a photo ID and your own toiletries/towels*

📍 La Porte City Hall
🥪 Free sacked meals provided from Salvation Army
🕗Starting at 5pm CDT (THURSDAY)

📍 Civic Auditorium LaPorte Parking Lot
🥪 Free sacked meals provided from Salvation Army
🕗Starting at 6PM CDT (THURSDAY)

📍Health Foundation of Laporte 140 East Shore Parkway, La Porte
🪫Charging electronics
💻Internet
❄️A/C & cold water
☕️Hot coffee
🕗8am-4:30pm CDT

📍New Carlisle Food Pantry 300 E. Compton St
🥫Pick up non-perishable items
🕗4pm-5pm CDT (THURSDAY)
🥫pick up full pantry & emergency item boxes
🕗10am-11am CDT (FRIDAY)
(For both St Joe and LaPorte County residents without power)

📍Maple Lane Mall Parking Lot, LaPorte
🍲 Free hot meals provided by the New Carlisle Food Pantry
🕗 4pm CDT (SATURDAY)

📍Michigan City Free Methodist Church 3001 Ohio St
🚽Restroom facilities
🪫Charging electronics
🕗 Until 9:00pm CDT

LaPorte County Public Library
📍807 Indiana Avenue La Porte
📍1 E Michigan Street Rolling Prairie
❄️A/C
🪫charging station
💻WiFi
🕗Until 6pm CDT

Closest Red Cross Shelters:
📍3630 Willow Creek Rd, Portage
🛏️ Open 24/7 & accepts pets

📍5800 Lexington Ave, Portage
🛏️ Open 24/7 & accepts pets

Emergency & Immediate Assistance:

-Emergency Services: Dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies

-Indiana 211: Call 2-1-1 or visit in211.org for real-time local shelter, food, and disaster relief information.

-American Red Cross (Northeast Indiana): Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for emergency shelter and displacement assistance

Please use the comment section under this post for additional resources not listed above to help others find what they may need! 🫶🏻

07/28/2026

This event completely exceeded all of our expectations. The number of participants, sponsors, and supporters who came out to enjoy lunch and bid on auction items was amazing. All of the proceeds are going to Officer Jon Samuelson. His life and his family's life are changed forever, and this is just a small way for us to show our support for Jon and his family.🙏🙏

I want to thank Don Hicks, Denise Conlon, Rick Knoll, Pattie Eidam, Mike Kellems as well as all the outstanding volunteers. A huge thank you to Tammy and the Deer Creek Hunt Club for helping make this event such a huge success. I was honored to be part of this amazing event. 👏👏

https://wsbt.com/news/local/deer-creek-hunt-club-hosts-skeet-shoot-for-recovering-laporte-county-deputy

07/04/2026

Have a safe and Happy 4th

06/22/2026

The Supreme Court has already decided that living in the community is a legal right.

More than 25 years ago, the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision affirmed that people with disabilities have the right to live in their communities and not be forced into institutions.

That ruling changed millions of lives. But a right on paper only works when people can get the support they need. That’s what Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) make possible.

Congress made the biggest cuts to Medicaid in history last year. Now, many states are considering options that could reduce access to HCBS.

Help keep the promise of Olmstead alive. Tell Congress to protect Medicaid HCBS and the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities. https://bit.ly/4fAVl54

05/25/2026

 Take the time to remember those who paid the ultimate price for our country. 💔

05/22/2026

My heart goes out to Officer Jon Samuelson, his family, and the entire LaPorte County Sheriff's Department as they face the devastating tragedy that occurred this morning.

Jon is exactly the kind of officer our communities are fortunate to have, a 12-year veteran and third-generation officer who has always gone out of his way for others.

Michigan City and all of Northwest Indiana stands with the Samuelson family.

05/12/2026

There are no words for what happened Saturday night in Pines Township.

These were kids doing what kids are supposed to do on prom night, celebrating and making memories. And before midnight, one of them was gone. Two more were hurt. No parent should ever get that phone call, and certainly not on Mother's Day.

I have been around long enough to know that moments like this leave a mark on a community that does not fade quickly. My heart breaks for every family touched by this.

To the young people in this district, I am asking you with everything I have, please do not go down that road.

We owe it to these families to ask hard questions and have honest conversations about how we keep young people safe. Not partisan ones. Just honest ones, between people who care about this community.

To the families grieving right now, I am so deeply sorry. This community stands with you.

If you were at the gathering and have information, please reach out to the Porter County Sheriff's Detective Division at 219-477-3136.

05/04/2026

On International Fire Fighters Day, we recognize the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting communities across Indiana. Every day, fire fighters, EMTs, and paramedics answer the call without hesitation, putting service above self to keep others safe.

Thank you for your courage, your commitment, and the difference you make in the lives of so many.