Portage Fire Department

Located in between Chicago and South Bend along I-80 in northwest Porter County, Portage is one of the few departments in Indiana to use Chicago's black-over-red paint scheme. Portage's 3 stations provide Fire, Rescue and ALS protection to approximately 35,000 residents.

Station 1 - Portage Fire Department Headquarters - 3401 Swanson Road - Southwest Side
Completed in August 2001, this new station houses the department's adminstration, training facilities and three apparatus.

ALS Engine 1 - HME/Smeal 75' Quint 75' -1500gpm/500gal
Engine 1 has it's own primary Engine Company response area and also serves as the second aerial device at PFD.

Rescue 1 - 2006 Freightliner M2/Braun Paramedic Ambulance
Rescue 1 was the first apparatus in the department to show the new Portage FD logo and a revised color and stripe scheme.

Rescue 1 - 2006 Freightliner M2/Braun Paramedic Ambulance
This rig includes roll-up compartment doors to store firefighter's SCBA and turnout gear. It also has a unique feature only
present on a few Braun Ambulance models - a sliding side entry door.

Station 2 - 6275 Old Porter Road at Willowcreek Road
Station 2 protects the northside of the city including the Port of Indiana. It is home to Engine, Tower and Rescue 2 and Fire 10.

Tower 2 - 1997 HME/ 3-D /Nova Quintech 100ft Skyarm Platform Ladder - 2000gpm/300gal

Tower 2 - 1997 HME/3-D/Nova Quintech 100' Skyarm Platform Ladder - 2000gpm/300gal
This apparatus is a true rarity in Indiana. The Sky Arm's last 25ft can articulate downward to provide the best angle for firefighting
and rescue activities. Portage liked this design for it's ability to work around larger ships and boats at the Port of Indiana on Lake
Michigan. This may be one of the last Nova Quintech Sky Arms built before that technology was sold to Pierce.

ALS Engine 2 - 1992 KME Excel Custom Pumper -1500gpm/750gal

Rescue 2 - 2002 Ford E-450/Lifestar Ambulance

Fire 10 - 1981 GMC Value Van - Tactical Support Unit
Fire 10 serves multiple purposes for Portage. While Dive Rescue operations have moved to a different vehicle, this apparatus
will continue to serve as the primary vehicle for air, rehab and fire investigations.

Rescue Engine 3 - 2007 American LaFrance Eagle Custom Pumper - 1500gpm/750gal
While all Portage engines carry extrication equipment, this rig was setup with bumper-mounted reels and
extrication tools, a cab-mounted light tower and roll-up doors protecting the pump panels and connections.

Rescue 3 - 2001 Ford E-450/Lifestar Ambulance
Portage Fire provides ALS/BLS transport with 3 Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICU's) to northwest Porter County.

Former Engine 3 - 1992 KME Excel Custom Pumper -1500gpm/750gal
With the arrival of the new American LaFrance Eagle, this rig was retired from active service in 2007.

Special Thanks to Asstistant Chief Mike Bucy and his son Jordan for their assistance in arranging for these pictures and for
providing the history and background of Portage.