Robert Patterson on Wednesday was officially sworn in as Schererville’s new fire chief.
Patterson replaces Fire Chief Joseph Kruzan Jr., who retired in February.
Patterson, who served as deputy chief for the last 14 years, was joined by family, friends and firefighters during the swearing-in ceremony at the Town Council meeting.
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“It is an honor,” Patterson said. “I look forward to hopefully making some great changes here.”
Patterson has been a firefighter with the town since 1995. His career started in 1991 as a volunteer with the Dyer Fire Department.
Patterson said he first wanted to become a firefighter as a child in Chicago “chasing fire trucks around.”
“It is all I’ve ever wanted to do,” he said.
Town Councilman Kevin Connelly, R-2nd, said he is looking forward to Patterson’s leadership.
“He has been very dedicated,” Connelly said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what Chief Patterson’s leadership brings to the town.”
The town has now filled its leadership roles for both the police and fire departments. In July Dennis Zagrocki was sworn in as Schererville’s police chief. He had served as deputy chief under former chief of police David Dowling who, like Kruzan, resigned in February.
Rob Earnshaw is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.