Lafayette Professional Firefighters Local 472

06/18/2026

Welcome, Recruit Dalton McKinley to the Lafayette Fire Department

Dalton was born and raised in Lafayette and continues to proudly call Lafayette home. Before joining the Lafayette Fire Department, Dalton spent 15 years operating heavy equipment as a member of IUOE Local 103.

When reflecting on his academy experience, Dalton said the most rewarding part was watching the recruit class grow together, develop their skills, and learn how to function as a team. The most challenging aspect was the EMT portion of the academy, which required learning a tremendous amount of information in a short period of time.

Dalton’s career goal is to be the best firefighter he can be for both his crew and the community, while continuing to grow and see where the profession takes him.

His decision to join the fire service was driven by a desire to help people during their time of need and make a positive difference in their lives. He also wanted the opportunity to serve the community where he was born and raised.

For those considering a career in the fire service, Dalton offers this advice: “Don’t hold yourself back. Certain things may seem unrealistic or too far out of reach, but you can do anything you set your mind to. Don’t give up on that dream.”

Outside of work, Dalton enjoys spending time at the creek with family and friends and riding dirt bikes with his kids.

Please join us in congratulating Recruit McKinley as he begins his career serving the citizens of Lafayette!

06/17/2026

Please join us in welcoming Recruit Travis “Chip” Dowell to the Lafayette Fire Dept.

Travis, is a Lafayette native who now calls Attica home. Before joining the Lafayette Fire Department, Chip served as an Army Infantryman and Drill Sergeant, and also worked in the construction industry.

When reflecting on his academy experience, Chip said the most rewarding part was training in full gear and participating in live burn evolutions. The most challenging aspect was learning and applying a tremendous amount of new information, from EMT coursework to Firefighter I & II certification requirements.

Chip’s career goal is simple and straightforward: “Be a darn good firefighter.”

His decision to enter the fire service was inspired by a desire to find the same sense of brotherhood and purpose he experienced in the military, while serving his community closer to home.

For those considering a career in the fire service, Chip offers this advice “Be ready to be tested.”

When he’s not at work, Chip enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether it’s hunting, hiking, fishing, gardening, or simply being in nature, he enjoys any opportunity to get outside and stay active.

Please join us in congratulating Recruit Dowell as he begins his career serving the citizens of Lafayette!

06/17/2026

Today, members of Lafayette Professional Firefighters Local 472 had the opportunity to participate in the Indianapolis Professional Firefighters Local 416 Golf Outing at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Indianapolis.

Events like these are a great opportunity to strengthen the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service, build relationships with fellow union members from across Indiana, and enjoy some friendly competition off duty.

Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana

06/16/2026

Please join us in welcoming Recruit Bailey Grisez to the Lafayette Fire Dept.

Bailey is originally from Walton, in Cass County and currently resides in Lafayette. Before joining the fire service, he proudly served our country as a member of the United States Air Force for six years.

When asked about the most rewarding part of the academy, Bailey said, “Knowing all of the hard work paid off.” He also shared that the most challenging aspect was overcoming the emotional and physical demands required to successfully complete the program.

Bailey’s long-term goal is to become an instructor and help shape future recruit classes, making a positive impact on the next generation of firefighters.

His decision to join the fire service was driven by a desire to continue serving the public while experiencing the same camaraderie and sense of brotherhood he found in the military.

For anyone considering a career in the fire service, Bailey offers simple advice: “Just do it, it’s the best job you’ll ever have!”

Outside of work, Bailey enjoys staying active through fitness training and spending time hunting.

Please join us in congratulating Recruit Grisez as he begins his career serving the citizens of Lafayette!

06/15/2026

Please join us in welcoming Recruit Caleb Borgestad to the Lafayette Fire Dept.

Caleb currently lives in Lafayette and previously served our community as a 5th grade math teacher at Battle Ground Intermediate School. After dedicating his career to educating young minds, he chose a new path of service by joining the fire service.

When reflecting on the academy, Caleb says the most rewarding part was building a brotherhood with his classmates and discovering how much he was capable of accomplishing in a short amount of time. The biggest challenge was the amount of studying and preparation required, especially coming into the fire service with no prior experience.

Looking ahead, Caleb’s goals are to continue learning as a firefighter and obtain his instructor certifications so he can help train the next generation of firefighters.

Caleb chose this profession because he wanted to serve the community he now calls home in a way that is bigger than himself. One piece of advice that has stuck with him from his instructors is:

“Figure out what type of firefighter your community wants you to be, and hold yourself accountable to that standard.”

Outside of the fire service, Caleb and his wife help operate Robinson’s Equine, a nonprofit organization that provides horse-assisted experiences for individuals facing physical, developmental, emotional, and social challenges.

Congratulations, Caleb, and welcome to the brotherhood! We look forward to watching your career grow and seeing the positive impact you’ll make on our department and community.

06/12/2026

Local 472 is proud to once again support Suncrest Peaks with our annual donation.

This contribution will help provide mental health services and supportive resources to retired firefighters who may otherwise face barriers to receiving the care they need.

Suncrest PEAKS is an Indiana nonprofit dedicated to the mental health and well-being of first responders, retirees, and their families. Their work ensures those who have spent their careers serving others have access to the support they deserve.

This marks the second consecutive year Local 472 has partnered with Suncrest PEAKS, and we remain committed to supporting their mission.

Taking care of those who took care of us is a responsibility we take seriously.

If you or a first responder you know needs help, please reach out

📞 765-701-7900
🌐 SuncrestPeaks.com

Fire Fighters Union of Indiana

06/11/2026

Nice work Crawfordsville Professional Firefighters Local 4143

Crawfordsville Professional Firefighters Local 4143 members rescued two kayakers after they capsized in Sugar Creek on Wednesday.

Fire fighters responded after reports that two kayakers had capsized in the creek. As crews searched the area, they learned a larger group of kayakers was farther downstream and may still be in danger.

Water rescue teams quickly launched rescue boats and located one person trapped in a strainer, successfully bringing them to safety. A second kayaker was also assisted by rescue crews on the water.

A total of nine people were involved in the incident. Thanks to a fast response and specialized training, all were safely accounted for and off the water within about an hour. Great job by these Local 4143 members!

06/11/2026

Local 472 is proud to once again support Suncrest Peaks with our annual donation.

This contribution will help provide mental health services and supportive resources to retired firefighters who may otherwise face barriers to receiving the care they need.

Suncrest PEAKS is an Indiana nonprofit dedicated to the mental health and well-being of first responders, retirees, and their families. Their work ensures those who have spent their careers serving others have access to the support they deserve.

This marks the second consecutive year Local 472 has partnered with Suncrest PEAKS, and we remain committed to supporting their mission.

Taking care of those who took care of us is a responsibility we take seriously.

If you or a first responder you know needs help, please reach out

📞 765-701-7900
🌐 SuncrestPeaks.com

Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana

06/10/2026

Congratulations to Lafayette Fire Department Recruit Class 2026-16

Last night, nine recruits officially graduated from our 14-week fire academy, marking the beginning of their careers in the fire service.

The Lafayette Professional Firefighters are proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment these recruits have shown throughout the academy. We look forward to seeing them serve our community with professionalism and pride.

We were also honored to have Tony Murray, President of the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana, and Vice President Hank Harris in attendance to help celebrate this important milestone.

Congratulations, graduates, and welcome to the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service.

Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana

06/10/2026

Come out and cheer us on! Hope to see you there!

Hey Lafayette Professional Firefighters Local 472 Are you ready?????!!!!??? We have been practicing!! Professional Fire Fighters Union of Indiana

The Spinning Axe