Michigan City Fire Chief Randy Novak is proud to announce that two new members of the Michigan City Fire Department recently graduated from the South Bend Fire Academy, along with the recent retirement of Firefighter Doug Gardner. The Michigan City Fire Department would like to congratulate Firefighter Doug Gardner on his recent retirement. Firefighter Gardner served the community of Michigan City for 34 years. Doug Gardner was known for his dedication to the “Tried and true methods of firefighting”, know your truck and know how to use the equipment in it like the back of your hand! Doug was a career member of Michigan City Firefighters Local 475 and was an advocate for physical fitness and was Chairman of the many Athletic teams that the Union sponsored. Chief Novak commented that “If it wasn’t for Firefighter Doug Gardner’s constant sacrifice and dedication, I can say this for sure, our department would not be where it is today.” Probationary Firefighter Eugene Hanas and Probationary Firefighter Kelsey Pawloski were among the 14 graduates at a ceremony at the South Bend Fire Academy in South Bend.