Crown Point Fire Department Swears in New Firefighter

Mayor Pete Land, left, swears in new firefighter Teagen Janson, right, during the Jan. 21, 2026, Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. Photo courtesy City of Crown Point.

The Crown Point Fire Department officially welcomed Firefighter Teagen Janson today, Wednesday, Jan. 21, as he took the oath of office during the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting. 

Janson was issued Badge No. 88, becoming the 21st firefighter hired under Mayor Pete Land. 

Janson, a 2024 graduate of Crown Point High School, began his path to the fire service through the department’s high school internship program while completing EMT school and working during his senior year. He is the fourth graduate of the CPHS Fire Department Internship Program to be hired as a full-time career firefighter, continuing a pipeline the department views as critical to workforce development and long-term succession planning. 

“Teagen has earned this opportunity,” said Fire Chief Mark Baumgardner. “He showed up early, stayed late, and proved that he was willing to put the work in. Our internship program is designed to give young people a real look at the fire service, and Teagen embraced it from day one.” 

Janson will be assigned to Turn 1, serving under Battalion Chief Scott Abraham. Department leadership cited his strong work ethic, maturity and commitment to learning as key factors in his hiring. 

Firefighter Janson comes from a family rooted in public service. His badge was pinned on by his father, a sergeant with more than 23 years of service with the Schererville Police Department. His mother, Annie, is a nurse, and his family includes multiple generations committed to serving their communities. 

“We’re proud to welcome Teagen to this department,” Baumgardner added. “He represents the future of the Crown Point Fire Department, and we look forward to seeing him grow into a role model for future interns and young people who aspire to serve.”