Southwest Allen County Fire District

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.

03/03/2026

Registration is STILL OPEN!

Seats are still available for the 2026 Prehospital Emergency Care Symposium and it’s completely FREE (lunch included)

If you’re an EMS provider, firefighter, or public safety professional looking for hands-on, simulation-based training, including Rescue Task Force (RTF) opportunities, you don’t want to miss this.

Thursday, March 19, 2026
7:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Public Safety Academy – Fort Wayne, IN

Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.southwestfire.com to secure your seat today.

We’re excited to announce that registration is open for the 2026 Prehospital Emergency Care Symposium. This full-day educational event is designed for EMS providers, firefighters, and other public safety professionals looking to enhance their prehospital care knowledge and skills.

Thursday March 19, 2026
7:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Public Safety Academy – Fort Wayne, IN

This event is free to attend and includes lunch.

This year’s theme focuses on hands-on learning, featuring simulation-based training, interactive skills stations, and practical learning opportunities, including Rescue Task Force (RTF) training.

This symposium is made possible through a strong partnership with Fort Wayne Fire Department, Lutheran Hospital, and the Allen County EMS Consortium, bringing together regional expertise to deliver high-quality, relevant education.

Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.southwestfire.com for details and registration information. Help spread the word!

01/30/2026

This morning we enjoyed another department breakfast with our retired members. It was great catching up, sharing stories, and saying thank you for the years of service that helped shape our department.

01/29/2026

We’re excited to announce that registration is open for the 2026 Prehospital Emergency Care Symposium. This full-day educational event is designed for EMS providers, firefighters, and other public safety professionals looking to enhance their prehospital care knowledge and skills.

Thursday March 19, 2026
7:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Public Safety Academy – Fort Wayne, IN

This event is free to attend and includes lunch.

This year’s theme focuses on hands-on learning, featuring simulation-based training, interactive skills stations, and practical learning opportunities, including Rescue Task Force (RTF) training.

This symposium is made possible through a strong partnership with Fort Wayne Fire Department, Lutheran Hospital, and the Allen County EMS Consortium, bringing together regional expertise to deliver high-quality, relevant education.

Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit www.southwestfire.com for details and registration information. Help spread the word!

01/06/2026

We stand by our brothers and sisters with the Markle Fire Department as they mourn the loss of Fire Cadet Adlee Scheerer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Adlee’s family, friends, and the entire Markle Fire family during this difficult time.

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Markle Fire Cadet, Adlee Scheerer. Adlee was not only an incredible firefighter, but also a genuinely kind and uplifting person. He brought light into every room with his smile and warm presence. Adlee cared deeply for his community and his friends, always offering strength, laughter, and a listening ear. Though his life was taken far too soon, the joy he shared and the lives he touched will never be forgotten. We remember him for his courage, his heart, and that unforgettable smile. Rest easy brother, we will take it from here.

I ask you keep Adlee’s family and friends in your prayers as well as the men and women of Markle Fire Department.

-Chief Jon Gray