St. John Fire Department

06/16/2026

🚨 Severe Weather Awareness Update 🚨

Strong to severe storms are possible across our area today and tomorrow. Please stay alert for changing weather conditions and be prepared to take action if severe weather develops.

🌪️ Weather alerts and tornado sirens:
Please remember that tornado sirens are managed through the Lake County 911 system. Sirens are activated when the appropriate authorities are notified by the National Weather Service of a potential severe weather threat and determine that public warning is needed.

🚨 Tornado sirens are designed primarily to alert people who are outdoors and may not always be heard inside homes, businesses, or vehicles.

📱 Have multiple ways to receive weather information:
• Weather alert apps
• Local news stations
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Wireless Emergency Alerts on your mobile phone

🏠 If severe weather develops:
• Move indoors immediately
• Stay away from windows
• Avoid unnecessary travel
• Monitor trusted weather sources for updates

Your safety starts with being prepared before severe weather arrives. Please take a few minutes today to review your family’s severe weather plan and make sure everyone knows where to seek shelter.

Stay weather aware and stay safe.
— St. John Fire Department

05/29/2026

05/01/2026

Stop by and say hi while helping a great cause!

04/28/2026

Good evening folks. Unfortunately, preliminary reports from NIPSCO indicate they will not start repairs until late in the day tomorrow on US231 between Cline Avenue and Parrish Avenue. We ask that you please avoid the area and take an alternate route.

We will pass on any further updates as we receive them. At this time, we do not know when power will be restored.

Finally, our public works crews are out clearing the streets from trees that have fallen due to the high winds.

04/28/2026

Your B shift Firefighters have truly risen to the challenge, responding to numerous calls for service since the storm/wind began. Despite the numerous obstacles posed by fallen trees, branches, and poles throughout the town, they have worked tirelessly to ensure everyone's safety.

It's essential to remember that even if a power line is not arcing, it can still be energized, so let's exercise caution and avoid disturbing fallen branches, trees, and poles with entangled lines. By working together, we can maintain a safe environment and show our appreciation for the outstanding efforts of our first responders.

04/10/2026

Today Battalion Chief Rich Fialkowski will be working his last shift with the St. John FD. Fialkowski has decided to retire from the St. John FD after being with us for 27 years. Fialkowski started with us as a volunteer firefighter and was then hired full-time with the St. John FD. Fialkowski was our third full-time hire. Fialkowski has worked us way up through the ranks and has been a big part of making the St. John FD what it is today. Fialkowski has been a mentor to a lot of our younger firefighters. Please join me in whishing BC Fialkowski congratulations on his retirement and we wish him the best in his future endeavor's.

04/07/2026

🔥 Mental Health & Rest 🔥
Rest and recovery are vital for everyone—especially first responders. Take time to recharge and support one another.

04/06/2026

🔥 Fire Extinguisher Check 🔥
Check your fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge and expiration date. Keep one in the kitchen, garage, and near exits.

04/06/2026

Here at St. John FD, we often get questions about why outdoor weather sirens aren’t always heard when severe weather is approaching.

Outdoor warning sirens are designed to alert people who are outside to move indoors and seek more information—they are not meant to be heard clearly inside your home.

To stay better informed and protected, we recommend:
• Downloading a reliable weather app on your cell phone
• Enabling emergency alerts from the National Weather Service
• Having a NOAA weather radio in your home for timely warnings

When severe weather is moving into our area, having multiple ways to receive alerts can make all the difference. Stay safe and be prepared!

04/05/2026

🔥 Emergency Plan Friday 🔥
Create and practice a home fire escape plan. Every family member should know two ways out of each room and a safe meeting spot outside.