MAAC Foundation

Volunteers Needed for the Midwest Region Classic Firefighter Challenge!

July 9–11, firefighters from all over will compete at Task Force Tips in the TFT Firefighter Challenge Championship Series, often called "the toughest two minutes in sports." The event showcases the strength, skill, and endurance required in the fire service through a demanding job-skill based competition.

Register for volunteer opportunities here: https://tft.com/ffcv26/

@🔥 MIDWEST REGION CLASSIC — JULY 9–11 — VALPARAISO, IN • HOSTED ON THE CAMPUS OF TFT

The toughest two minutes in sports returns to the Midwest — and this year, the Midwest Region Classic presented by TFT takes over TFT’s global headquarters for three days of pure speed, grit, and regional pride.

🏆 Your Region. Your Title. Your Shot.
This is the only event where Midwest Region champions are crowned and records are set.If you’re from IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, or WI — this is your proving ground.

🔥 July 9–11 — Three Days to Make Your Mark
Career, volunteer, retired, cadets, juniors — if you wear the shield, you belong on this course. First‑timers and veterans stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder in the SERVPRO FCL.

📍 Valparaiso, Indiana
On the campus of TFT, our 2026 Title Sponsor — the perfect stage for Midwest strength and heart.

Register now and find info on the host hotel:. https://firefighterchallenge.com/midwest-event-page/

FMI
Task Force Tips
SERVPRO
3M Scott Fire & Safety
LION
Snap-tite Hose
Nasco Healthcare
WHP Trainingtowers
Valparaiso Fire

HAZMAT technicians trained today on chlorine gas and liquid leak scenarios, practicing hazard assessment, leak mitigation, and safe operations in a controlled environment.

Realistic training prepares responders to safely and effectively manage hazardous materials incidents in their communities.

Join the MAAC Foundation next week, June 24th, for our BLS CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers course at the MAAC First Responder Training Campus. This hands-on certification course is designed for healthcare professionals, first responders, students, and anyone working in a medical setting who needs American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) training.

Participants will learn critical lifesaving skills including high-quality CPR, AED use, and team-based emergency response techniques through practical, real-world instruction.
Register now:
bit.ly/maacblscpr

This week we are happy to be hosting the Accelerant K9 Recertification Course on the MAAC Campus. This recertification brings K9's from as far away as Alberta, Virginia, North & South Carolina, Minnesota, and more! An Accelerant Detection Canine (ADC), sometimes referred to as an arson dog, is a specialized working dog trained to detect trace amounts of ignitable liquids (like gasoline, kerosene, or lighter fluid) at fire scenes. They are invaluable to fire investigators in determining the origin and cause of suspicious fires. We wish all of these hard working dogs the best as their noses are put to the test!

Join the MAAC Foundation and the Hammond Police Department for our Frontline De-Escalation Class on July 10 and learn practical communication techniques used by first responders to reduce tension, manage difficult interactions, and create better outcomes.

This hands-on training is ideal for:
• Customer service professionals
• Healthcare workers
• Retail employees
• Anyone who regularly works with the public

Whether you're attending on your own or bringing your team, you'll leave with tools you can use immediately in the workplace.

July 10th, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Register today: bit.ly/frontline-de-escalation

We were honored to host the Crossroads Chamber ambassadors for their meeting and tour of the MAAC campus. Ambassadors had the opportunity to learn more about the first responder training that takes place at the MAAC, as well as the community classes and programs available to the public.

Our Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Course provides the foundational skills needed to deliver lifesaving care until advanced medical personnel arrive. This can be especially vital when seconds matter most.

Thanks to our partnership with United Way Northwest Indiana, this program is being offered at a reduced cost to help make emergency medical training more accessible for all!

Course Runs June 15 – August 1, 2026

Whether you just want to be more prepared or are taking the first step toward a career in EMS, fire service, healthcare, or public safety, this class will give you the tools to provide essential care until medical professionals arrive on scene.

Register today: bit.ly/maacemr

Every year is truly such a great event! Thank you Valpo Parks for letting us be a part of such an incredible day!

On Monday Dave Deboer from Hammond PD taught our Kids Self-defense class! A huge thank you to all the wonderful kiddos and parents who joined us and made that day a wonderful success! We look forward to many more to come and we are proud to say that these kids feel much more safer and confident to protect themselves.