For the past 16 years, Assistant Fire Chief Michael Wineland of the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department has dedicated his time to helping others, often during some of the scariest moments of their lives. Unlike career departments in larger cities, volunteer fire departments rely on people who juggle full-time jobs and family commitments, yet still show up for training, emergency calls and community outreach.
Wineland’s dedication started early, attending meetings as a Cub Scout at the very station he would one day help lead. He got a front-row seat in the world of emergency service. Those experiences lit a spark in him that never went out.
Family ties only deepened that passion. A great-uncle of his served in the department during the 1970s, and both of his brothers stepped up to volunteer two years after Wineland joined as well. Watching firefighters in action and seeing their involvement in the community had a lasting impact on him, inspiring a path that blended purpose and pride.
“I think volunteering is something that’s overlooked a lot nowadays,” Wineland said. “People are so busy in their day-to-day lives that they don't think about one another, their neighbors, or their community as much.”
Wineland recalls a time when participation in volunteerism and community service was exceptionally high. He hopes that trend will shift back into the right direction as time goes on, especially considering that roughly 80% of the country is served by volunteer fire departments.
Despite the challenges in bringing in new volunteers, Wineland is focused on building a department that stands the test of time. He began as a probationary firefighter, worked his way up through the ranks and now serves as a mentor to younger members. He wants to help ingrain the same values that once inspired him.
“I’m just there to help them along, show them what the fire service is about, and instill in them the pride and culture of the fire service. I do all this in the hope that they enjoy it and get as much out of it as I do. I’ve seen a lot of our younger members really step into those roles,” Wineland said.
His leadership has been shaped by mentors like Liberty Township Fire Chief Brian Duncan, his predecessor, Thomas Shapen, and his parents Jamie and Linda Wineland. Through their guidance, Wineland has led his team through a wide range of emergency situations, all while continuing to grow personally and professionally.
"Honestly, without my parent's push, my brothers and I would not be where we are today," Wineland said. "They taught us how to be leaders and to step up when the community needed us the most and still support us today."
Outside of the department, Wineland works full-time as an operations supervisor at the NIPSCO power plant in Wheatfield. He manages turbine units and leads crews of eight or more. The experience has sharpened his leadership and organizational skills, tools that have proven just as useful in emergency response as they have in energy production.
“The fire service has taught me a lot. It’s made me more methodical, better at budgeting, and better at managing my time. Between my job, my family and the fire department, there’s always a lot to balance,” Wineland said.
For Wineland, the commitment is personal. It’s about stepping up when others need help, preserving the culture of service and paying forward the mentorship that helped him rise through the ranks.
If you’re interested in joining the Liberty Volunteer Fire Department, you can learn more by visiting its website.