Our Department

Serving Portage with advanced fire, rescue and EMS care

The Portage Fire Department is a full-time career fire service staffed by 65 dedicated firefighters. We provide comprehensive fire, rescue and emergency medical services to nearly 38,000 residents across Portage, Indiana. Each summer, our community also welcomes a significant increase in visitors drawn to the Lake Michigan beachfront.

Our response area includes residential neighborhoods, commercial districts and major industrial zones throughout Northwest Indiana. Every Portage Fire Department response vehicle carries advanced life-saving equipment and is staffed by highly trained firefighter-paramedics. That readiness allows crews to begin hospital-level interventions at the scene, including medication administration, advanced airway management and cardiac monitoring.

Three stations, one coordinated response system

  • Station 1 — Swanson Road Headquarters: Opened in 2001 at 3401 Swanson Road; home to Ladder 1 and Rescue 1.
  • Station 2 — Old Porter Road Response Center: Serving the community since 1978 at 6275 Old Porter Road; home to Engine 2, Rescue 2 and Marine 3.
  • Station 3 — Central Avenue Operations Center: Located at 6300 Central Avenue; home to Engine 3, Rescue 3, Tower 3 and Fire 5.
123721775 3526466397396963 9148261612188811013 N — Portage Fire Department

Portage Fire department is a full-time career fire department employing 65 full time firefighters. We provide fire rescue and emergency medical services to our nearly 38,000 residents. During the Summer months we get a surge of visitors due to our Lake Michigan Beach Front. Our Coverage area includes a mix of residential, commercial and industrial areas of Northwest Indiana.

Beach Front — Portage Fire Department
Portage Lake Front Pavilion

All Portage Fire department vehicles are fully equipped with advanced lifesaving equipment and staffed with firefighter paramedics. This allows us to bring many of the lifesaving medications and procedures to the patient wherever they are in the community.

Our Department — Portage Fire Department photo
The back of rescue 3 ready for an Advanced Life Support patient

Station 1

Station 1 opened in 2001. Station 1 houses currently our administration staff as well as Ladder 1 and Rescue 1. Station 1 is located at 3401 Swanson Road.

Default — Portage Fire Department
Default — Portage Fire Department

Station 2

Station 2 opened in 1978 and houses our Engine 2, Rescue 2 and Marine 3. Marine 3 is used for transporting the dive team to the marina as well as any dive emergencies that occur in the county. It’s located at 6275 Old Porter Road.

Default — Portage Fire Department
Default — Portage Fire Department

Station 3

Our newest station, station 3 houses Engine 3, Rescue 3, Tower 3 and Fire 5. Its located at 6300 Central Ave.

Default — Portage Fire Department
Default — Portage Fire Department
Default — Portage Fire Department
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Quick Links

  1. Training and Continuing Education – Explore our commitment to professional growth.
  2. Our Career Advancement Program – Uncover pathways to leadership and specialized roles.
  3. Why Does the Department Require Firefighters to Become Paramedics? – Understand our drive for medical excellence.
  4. Our Humble Beginnings – Delve into our rich history and foundational values.
  5. Portage Fire Department’s Comprehensive Health and Wellness Program – Your well-being is our priority.
  6. Our 11-Week Fire Academy: Building Foundations – Kickstart your career in firefighting.
  7. How Does the Schedule Work at Portage Fire? – Know what to expect in your day-to-day.
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