At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting, members of Michigan City Fire Department, La Porte County Emergency Medical Service, and the Michigan City Police Department were recognized for their exceptional work during a water rescue operation on Oct. 4 at 100 Water Street following a report of a vehicle submerged in the water.
During the presentation, Fire Chief Taylor read a letter written by Assistant Chief John Mellen, who led the response during the incident. In the letter, he wrote:
“Although the outcome was tragic, it is important to recognize that both victims regained pulses due to the rapid, coordinated, and professional response of everyone involved.”
The following individuals were recognized for their outstanding service:
Fire Department Members:
Assistant Chief John Mellen
Captain Anthony Stahoviak
Acting Captain Daniel Nona
Acting Lieutenant Robert Hooper
Driver/Operator/Diver Randall Hallett
Driver/Operator/Diver Christopher Blake
Driver/Operator Brian Gonzalez
Driver/Operator Austin Swistek
Firefighter/Diver Andrew Cass
Firefighter Ryan Stanley
Probationary Firefighter Kody Stroud
Probationary Firefighter Alex Schmidt
Laporte County EMS Personnel:
Paramedic Eric Wood
Paramedic Brian Thornton
Paramedic Hanah Covert
EMT Jeff Turner
EMT Heather VanSickle
EMT Landon West
Michigan City Police Department Officers:
Diver Sgt. Michael Oberle
Local boat owner Michael Simmins was not able to attend but was recognized for selflessly offering the use of his boat during the incident.
Fire Chief Taylor also recognized Lieutenant/Diver Nick Pabon for his outstanding actions during an ejection accident that happened on the race course during the Great Lakes Grand Prix on Aug. 4, 2024.