Crown Point Welcomes New Firefighter, Promotes Longtime Firefighter
- By: City of Crown Point
- Last Updated: October 9, 2026
Crown Point Mayor Pete Land, left, administers the oath of office to new Crown Point Firefighter Matt Kooy, right, during the Oct. 8 Board of Public Works and safety meeting. Photo courtesy the City of Crown Point.
The Crown Point Fire Department officially welcomed Firefighter Matt Kooy today, Thursday, Oct. 8, as he took the oath of office during the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.
Kooy was issued Badge No. 90, becoming the 23rd firefighter hired under Mayor Pete Land. He will be assigned to Turn 3, serving under Battalion Chief Joe Ferrantella.
Kooy brings 16 years of fire service experience to the Crown Point Fire Department. He began his career in 2010 as a volunteer with the Munster Fire Department, where he served until 2015. He volunteered with the Lowell Fire Department from 2015 to 2020. In 2013, he began his full-time career with the Gary Fire Department, where he served until 2026.
He lives in Peotone, Illinois, with his wife, Lia, and two children. Outside of work, Kooy is a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.
“Across three departments and more than a decade and a half, Matt has built a record of experience, commitment and service to the communities he has protected,” said Fire Chief Mark Baumgardner Jr.
During the meeting, longtime Crown Point firefighter Josh McBurney was promoted to lieutenant.
McBurney has been with the department for 12 years as a firefighter, paramedic and diver. He currently serves as the CPFD Dive Team Leader, responsible for leading personnel during complex and challenging water-rescue operations. The role strengthened his leadership, communication, teamwork and decision making in some of the most demanding circumstances.
“In that time, he has gained valuable experience in emergency response, patient care and working in high pressure environments. His dedication to his fellow firefighters, this department and the community he serves has been evident throughout his career,” Baumgardner said. “Today’s promotion to lieutenant is the next step in a career built on service, leadership and a commitment to others.”
