Southwest Allen County Fire District

08/01/2026

Today, our crews participated in a large-scale, multi-agency training exercise led by the Allen County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

The exercise simulated an anhydrous ammonia leak at MacroSource in Yoder, allowing responders to work through a realistic hazardous materials incident within our response area.

Throughout the several-hour drill, crews practiced the entire incident response process, including initial operations, incident command, hazardous materials mitigation, unified command, public warning and public messaging planning, and coordination between numerous responding agencies.

Participating agencies included the Fort Wayne Fire Department HAZMAT Team, Air National Guard HAZMAT Team, Northwest Fire District, Allen County Police, Fort Wayne Police Air Support Unit, Allen County Homeland Security, and other local partners.

Training like this strengthens the relationships and coordination between agencies before a real emergency occurs. We appreciate the Allen County LEPC for organizing this exercise and thank all of our partner agencies for their commitment to preparedness and public safety.

08/01/2026

Today, our crews spent time training on low angle rope rescue operations.

This type of rescue technique is used to safely remove patients from areas with steep terrain, such as embankments along the interstate, ravines, and other difficult-to-access locations.

Throughout the training, our firefighters practiced rope handling, team communication, and patient packaging to ensure rescues can be performed safely and efficiently when every second counts.

We are fortunate to have several members of our department who have furthered their education and earned certification as Rope Rescue Technicians. Their willingness to share their knowledge and experience allows us to continue building these skills within our department and better prepare our crews for these rescue situations.

07/10/2026

06/28/2026

This past week, we had the opportunity to recognize some important milestones during our Badge Pinning Ceremony.

Since our last pinning ceremony in August 2025, 14 career Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics have joined the Southwest Allen County Fire District and were officially pinned with their badges. It's always a special moment to see family, friends, and coworkers there to share in the occasion.

We also recognized 6 members who were promoted to Lieutenant and 3 members who were promoted to Battalion Chief. These individuals have worked hard to earn their new roles, and we're excited to see them continue serving our department and community as leaders.

A badge is more than just part of the uniform. It represents the responsibility that comes with serving others and the commitment our members make every time they answer the call.

Congratulations to all of our newly pinned members and promoted officers. Thank you to the families, friends, and coworkers who came out to celebrate with them. We're proud of each of you and look forward to what you'll accomplish in your new roles.

05/11/2026

Saturday, crews from Southwest Fire District and West Central Fire District participated in a joint training sessions at the focused on scenario-based fireground operations. Members rotated through multiple assignments practicing hose advancement, flow and move operations, forcible entry, door and window initiated searches, victim removal and treatment, and command responsibilities as the first-due officer.

Training together strengthens our partnerships, sharpens our skills, and ensures we are prepared to serve our communities safely and effectively.

05/01/2026

This week, we took possession of a new ladder truck, Truck 57. This 100-foot aerial will serve the citizens of Southwest Fire District, along with Allen County and our surrounding communities, for many years to come.

Ordered in December 2021 to replace a 1997 ladder truck, this addition reflects our continued commitment to providing reliable, high-quality service. We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our community and look forward to putting Truck 57 to work.

05/01/2026

Today we had the honor of celebrating Firefighter/EMT Nick Clarke as he retires after 29 years of full-time service with Southwest Allen County Fire District.

Nick began his career as a volunteer with Aboite Township Fire Department and Southwest Fire District before starting full-time in 1997. Throughout his career, he has been a steady, reliable presence and a true professional who took great pride in serving this community.

Nick, thank you for your dedication and over three decades of service. Congratulations on a well-earned retirement.

Please join us in thanking Nick and wishing him the best in this next chapter.

04/22/2026

We’re proud to join our county partners in welcoming Executive Fire Chief Jeremy Bush to the Allen County Fire & EMS District-.

Chief Bush brings strong leadership and a clear vision as he helps guide the continued collaboration and transition of our fire departments into a unified District effective January 1, 2027. We look forward to working together to strengthen service, enhance operations, and better serve the residents of Allen County.

Please join us in welcoming Chief Bush to this important role.

We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy Bush as the Executive Fire Chief of the Allen County Fire District!

Chief Bush brings years of dedicated leadership and expertise to this vital role. His experience will be an incredible asset as we continue our work to unify the fire districts of Allen County into one cohesive team. We are confident that under his guidance, our commitment to excellence and public safety will only grow stronger.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Bush as he steps into this new chapter for our community!

04/07/2026

Tonight, we had the honor of recognizing Betty Schroeder for an incredible career in EMS spanning over 43 years.

From her start as an EMT in 1983 to becoming a paramedic, instructor, and mentor, Betty has made a lasting impact on countless providers and patients across Northeast Indiana. Throughout her career, she held many roles across the region, including serving as an instructor at Ivy Tech and as the EMS Training Officer at Poe Fire Department.

This evening, Betty was also presented with the Emeritus Award by the State EMS Commission and the State EMS Director. This distinguished honor is reserved for individuals who have made significant, lasting contributions to emergency medical services over the course of their career, recognizing not only her years of service, but the lasting impact she has had on the EMS profession and the countless providers she has mentored.

Her dedication to education, leadership, and compassionate care has helped shape generations of EMS professionals.

We are proud to celebrate her legacy and grateful for everything she has given to this profession. Congratulations to Betty on this well-deserved recognition!

03/20/2026

We had a great turnout at today’s Prehospital Emergency Care Symposium. Providers from across the region come together for a full day of hands-on, scenario-based training.

The day kicked off with a presentation from some of our local medical directors as well as our state medical director Dr. Yazel, followed by breakout scenarios that covered a mix of trauma and medical cases involving both adult and pediatric patients. We want to recognize and thank Dr. Capito, Dr. Cameron, Dr. LePage, Dr. Leonowicz, Dr. Scott and Dr. Yazel for their time, expertise, and support in making this a successful event.

Its great working with our partners at Fort Wayne Fire Department and Lutheran Hospital. We appreciate the collaboration and continued support in advancing prehospital care in our region.