Jul 14, 2025

Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon recently announced the creation of the Porter County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit – an addition made possible thanks to generous donations from local companies such as U. S. Steel. With our Midwest Plant located in Porter County and our Gary Works in neighboring Lake County, the donation aligned with our desire to focus on the areas where our employees live and work as well as our “Safety First” S.T.E.E.L. Principle.

Recent reductions in the United States Coast Guard unit based in Michigan City, Indiana, required local and state first responders to bridge the resulting gap by increasing their focus on the region’s extensive Lake Michigan shoreline. This necessitated the procurement of specialized water safety equipment, including watercraft.

The Marine Unit will patrol waterways, ensure boating safety, and conduct search-and-rescue operations. The unit will collaborate with marine units from Lake County Sheriff’s Office, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, and the United States Coast Guard. The goal: work together to ensure the waters of Lake Michigan and the shorelines that surround them are safe for all local residents, including U. S. Steel employees and their families.