St. Joseph County Fire Territory

To do this, our department embraces advancements in technology and training, ensuring our team is equipped with the skills and tools necessary to meet the challenges of modern firefighting. Emergencies can happen when you least expect them, which is why we remain ever vigilant for the safety and security of our families, friends, and neighbors.

The call of becoming a firefighter is often described as a deep, intrinsic desire to serve others, and it’s a profession that demands courage, resilience, and a strong sense of duty. We aim to encapsulate all of those ideas into the St. Joseph County Fire Territory.

• Fire Suppression: The most well-known function, involving the rapid response to fires to minimize damage, save lives, and prevent the spread of flames within our community every day.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS): We provide emergency medical care and transport, responding to medical emergencies and providing first aid or advanced life support.
• Rescue Operations: We often perform rescues in situations such as car accidents, collapsed structures, water rescues, or hazardous materials incidents.
• Fire Prevention: We are actively involved in preventing fires through public education, inspections, and enforcing building codes to ensure safety.
• Disaster Response and Mitigation: Firefighters are frequently called upon to assist in large-scale natural or man-made disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, or hazardous materials spills, providing support for rescue, recovery, and containment efforts.
• Community Engagement: We aim to build trust and strengthen relationships within St. Joseph County through outreach programs, safety campaigns, and working to reduce risks.

Starting as a volunteer for Warren Township, Chief Steve Downey has been a dedicated leader in fire service for over 27 years. Downey received his master’s degree from Notre Dame and has over two decades of management experience in the private sector before he made firefighting a full-time career.

When not at the firehouse, Downey enjoys biking, hiking, fishing, and spending time with his wife of almost 30 years and their two daughters.

With a family history of the practice, Assistant Chief Andy Willet is a third-generation firefighter and has been keeping the community safe through both fire and EMS service for over 20 years. Willet graduated from Columbia Southern University, with a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration and a minor in Fire Investigations.

When not on duty, Willet enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.