Two Hobart firefighters given awards for overhauling ATV

HOBART | Two Hobart firefighters were honored with awards of excellence at the recent Board of Public Works meeting.

EDITORIAL: Fire flap merits external investigation

There's a lot we don't know about the situation involving the firefighter who walked back to the station after a brush fire Tuesday night. It merits a thorough, impartial investigation.

Hobart firefighters union, mayor at odds over location for meetings, attendance

HOBART | Hobart Professional Firefighter Local 1641 meetings have been held at Fire House No. 1 since 1966, local fire officials said.

Fire destroys home under construction in Porter

PORTER | Firefighters from 10 departments battled a blaze for hours Tuesday night in frigid temperatures and high winds.

Hobart officials place limits on number of fire department officers

HOBART | The Fire Department's top brass is top heavy, Fire Chief Brian Taylor told city officials.

Gary EMTs say age, not job experience, led to firings

GARY | Three fired Gary emergency medical technicians said they were targeted for layoff because of their age and their seniority was not considered.

Hobart officials consider privatizing city's emergency services

HOBART | City officials are exploring the possibility of privatizing Hobart's emergency medical services, said City Councilman David Vinzant, D-5th.

Cause of Christmas house fire in Hobart under investigation

HOBART | The cause and origin of a Christmas Eve house fire that left a family homeless remains under investigation, Fire Chief Brian Taylor said.

Hobart Fire Commission agrees to not demote firefighter but place him on suspension

HOBART | Hobart Fire Department Lt. Mark Slonaker will retain his rank but he will receive a five-day suspension and be on probation, the Fire Commission ruled Tuesday.

Neighbor's call keeps Center Twp. house fire damage minor

CENTER TOWNSHIP | A neighbor's call to firefighters helped keep damages to a minimum at a house fire Saturday afternoon, fire officials said.

Jaracz removed as Hobart's assistant fire chief

HOBART | Fire Chief Brian Taylor said the recent removal of Jim Jaracz as his second in command is an "administrative change."

Hobart Fire Commission holds three-hour hearing for firefighter fighting demotion

HOBART | Barber shop operator Shelly Gilliana testified Tuesday she contacted Fire Chief Brian Taylor because, she said, of disparaging comments she overheard Lt. Mark Slonaker had made about fellow firefighters.

Disciplinary hearing for Hobart firefighter scheduled Tuesday

HOBART | The Hobart Civil Service Fire Commission will hold a disciplinary hearing for firefighter Lt. Mark Slonaker at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at City Hall, 414 Main St.

Portage Fire Department receives fitness award

PORTAGE | The Portage Fire Department recently was named runner-up in the Leadership in Fitness Excellence competition.

Hobart City Council approves firefighters' mutual aid pact

HOBART | The City Council approved the Fire Department's agreement allowing it to share assets with other area departments.

Omni 41 in S'ville evacuated because of electrical problem

SCHERERVILLE | Firefighters were called to Omni 41 Fitness Connection at 2 p.m. Friday after smoke and a burning smell were detected, Fire Chief Joe Kruzan said.

Hobart fire chief, boy he saved share Hometown Hero honors

GARY | Hobart Fire Chief Brian Taylor shared his Hometown Hero honors on Tuesday with the boy he rescued from a house fire.

Hobart fire chief will soar in F-16 Tuesday as Hometown Hero

HOBART | Fire Chief Brian Taylor is thrilled by the opportunity to soar in an Air Force F-16 Thunderbird fighter jet on Tuesday.

Hobart plans precautions on July 4 due to dry conditions

HOBART | The unusually dry conditions are forcing city officials to take extra precautions during the Wednesday night fireworks display at Rugby Field.