Wheeler, IN — In partnership with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security District 1 Firefighter Training Council, the MAAC Foundation is proud to announce the graduation of its latest Fire Academy. The ceremony was held on Thursday, December 11 at Wheeler High School. This new class represents the continued commitment of the MAAC Foundation to support, prepare, and empower the next generation of first responders serving communities throughout the region.
“Our mission has always been to provide the training, resources, and support future and current responders need to succeed,” said Nicole Gladstone, President & CEO of the MAAC Foundation. “This class is especially meaningful because it brings together recruits from departments across Northwest Indiana. Their diverse experiences and shared dedication to service showcase the strong partnerships that define our region. We are truly honored to contribute to their professional growth and readiness.”
Lead Instructor Jeff Furst, firefighter & EMT with Michigan City Fire Department, emphasized the importance of hands-on, real-world training environments. “Each student who comes through this program brings a level of passion and commitment that inspires all of us,” Furst said. “Our team works hard to ensure they receive the highest standard of instruction and experience. Watching recruits grow into capable, confident responders is our ultimate goal.”
These recruits have completed a rigorous 11-week training program that included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations, and technical rescue, along with other firefighting skills. The MAAC Foundation has graduated more than 600 students from fire and EMT academies since training on the campus first began.
The names of the graduates and their fire departments are as follows:
Nikola Alavanja – Lake Ridge
Garette Austin – Ogden Dunes
Dominic Bonk – Dyer
Hagen Brown – Washington
Edward Brown – Lake of Four Seasons
Cameron Campbell – Lake of Four Seasons
Jayden Clifford – Lake Station
Nayahlei Cordero – Munster
Mason Crawford – Dyer
Aidan Dawson – Lincoln
Sophia Ford – Porter Fire
David Fowler – Task Force Tips
Donovan Garner – Bass Lake
Owen Gilbert – Washington
Vanessa Gonzales – Lake Ridge
Omar Gracia – South Haven
Stefan Harris – Porter Fire
John Hawkins – Cass Clinton
Savion Herbert – South Haven
Hannah Hlebasko – Crown Point
Gavin Holder – Highland
Emily Keilman – Lake Hills
Collin Kinley – Highland
Alejandro Lomeli – Lake Hills
Nolan Lord – Cass Clinton
Ryan Lukas – Lake of Four Seasons
Theodoro Mann – Union
Marshawn Manuel – Lake Dale
Codey Marlow – Liberty
Giovanni Max – Munster
Michael McCroan – Lowell
Ethan Miles – Munster
Joshua Murray – Porter Fire
Amer Mustafa – Lake Station
Dorion Pitts – Michianna Shores
Trace Risner – Bass Lake
Jared Rolinski – Washington
Ryan Rose – Griffith
Andrew Sharp – Lake Hills
Austin Shelton – Lake Station
Ethan Swart – North Judson
The MAAC Foundation First Responder Training Campus is transforming the landscape of First Responder training across Northwest Indiana, the state, and the country. With a comprehensive, inclusive campus, they provide access for all First Responders – EMT personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and K9 officers – to train at their state-of-the-art facility at no cost. The MAAC is a top provider of safety, emergency preparedness, and response training with more than 15 buildings, such as classroom space, residential structures, a live burn building, a flashover chamber, and a 4-story tower. Additionally, the facility boasts over 40 tactical props spread across 30+ acres. For more information about the MAAC Foundation and how to help make a safer community as a first responder or community member, visit www.maacfoundation.org to learn about our services or volunteer.