02/17/2026
The Loss of a Legend: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Jack Runion
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Union Fireβs lifetime member, Jack Runion, who passed away last night with his family by his side.
In his final days, Jack was surrounded by those who loved him most. They were filled with storytelling, cracked jokes, classic one-liners, and a whole lot of βI love youβsβ β a true reflection of the man we all knew. He was comforted by the presence of family and close friends.
Jack dedicated more than 50 years to the fire service and was instrumental not only to our department, but to the fire service as a whole. He touched an unimaginable number of lives through his service, mentorship, humor, and unwavering dedication to others.
A proud Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Jack carried his commitment to service into every chapter of his life. He served Union Fire as Chief Engineer, overseeing and maintaining our fleet of apparatus and ensuring we were always ready to answer the call. He also served as Chairman of our Board of Directors, helping guide the department and positively impact our funding and long-term sustainability.
Jack taught countless members a wealth of knowledge that will continue to guide generations to come. He designed and built both of our current fire stations β a lasting testament to his vision and commitment to our community.
A plane crash survivor and longtime fire apparatus salesman across northern Indiana, Jack continued to positively impact departments and firefighters far beyond our own.
Jack was known for his humor, wisdom, and unforgettable sayings. Many knew him as one of the funniest men you could ever meet β someone who could make you laugh even on the hardest days. From shared memories at the firehouse to lifelong friendships built through the job, Jack created moments that will live on far beyond any photograph.
We invite everyone to share their favorite Jack-isms, stories, and memories as we celebrate a life that truly made a difference.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out, shared kind words, and supported the Runion family and our department during this time.
Jack was a legend whose legacy will live on through the endless lives he impacted.
Rest easy, Jack. We are okay β and weβve got it from here.