Crown Point Fire Swears in Firefighter, Unveils New Ambulance

The Crown Point Fire Department welcomed its newest firefighter Wednesday, Nov. 4, before unveiling its new ambulance. 

Alejandro Lomeli is a true hometown hire, living in Crown Point most of his life and graduating from Crown Point High School in 2023. 

Lomeli joined Crown Point Fire in November 2025 as a part-time EMT. In January 2027, he will attend paramedic school at the Franciscan Health Crown Point EMS Academy. 

Outside of work, Lomeli is a Chicago Bears fan and enjoys weightlifting. Most of all, he values time with his family. 

He was issued Badge No. 91, becoming the 24th firefighter hired under Mayor Pete Land. Lomeli will be assigned to Turn 3 under Battalion Chief Joe Ferrantella.

“Since Alejandro joined our team, he has impressed everyone with his dedication to the fire service. We are proud to welcome him to our ranks,” said Fire Chief Mark Baumgardner Jr. 

Also Wednesday, the department unveiled its new 2024 Ford F-550 four-wheel-drive chassis ambulance. The vehicle was purchased three years ago in partnership with the Center Township Trustee’s Office for $386,060. The City of Crown Point and trustee’s office split the cost of the rig equally, totaling about $193,030 for each organization. 

“It is always nice to work with the City of Crown Point together with the Township Trustee’s Office to make the Crown Point Fire Department the best fire department there is,” said Center Township Trustee Paul Bremer. 

New features include warning lights that sync with other vehicles on scene and dim automatically after dark; a smoother ride for patients and crews; a powered cot and loading system; a 360-degree camera system; a built-in child safety seat; and the ability to automatically change traffic signals when approaching an intersection. 

The new ambulance was placed into service Wednesday, moving a 9-year-old ambulance to reserve and replacing a 17-year-old ambulance. The department last received a new ambulance in 2022. 

“We’re proud to partner with the Center Township Trustee’s Office to invest in modern equipment to continue serving our community at the highest level,” Baumgardner said.

“We run three ambulances staffed 24/7, 365. We also have two reserve ambulances that are ready to go,” added Division Chief of EMS Operations Erik Schmitt.

More equipment is coming to the department, with a remounted ambulance expected in late 2026 and another set to arrive in mid-2027; a new-to-the-department Dive Rescue truck is expected by late November 2026; and a new Pierce ladder truck is slated to arrive in summer 2028.

The department purchased a used Technical Rescue box truck earlier this year, which was placed into service in August 2026.

“When people are looking for a new community to call home, they always put a premium on public safety. I am proud to say we have the best fire department in Northwest Indiana,” Land said. “The City is grateful for our fantastic partnership with the Center Township Trustee’s Office that always supports our public safety departments.”