Contact Us
For Emergencies on campus, please call 574-631-5555 or 911.
100 Fire Station
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Phone: (574) 631-6200
Facsimile: (574) 631-8592
Email: ndfd@nd.edu
Bruce V. Harrison
Fire Chief
Chief Bruce Harrison joined NDFD in March of 2012. He began his fire service career with the DeKalb Fire Department in 1981 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1994 and Captain in 1998. He was named Assistant Chief in 2002, Acting Fire Chief July 31, 2008, and Fire Chief January 26, 2009. He received his paramedic training in 1983 and served for several years as a Flight Medic. Chief Harrison has completed numerous classes at the National Fire Academy including the Executive Fire Officer Program. He was among the first group of Illinois Fire Fighters who responded to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and was named Illinois Operations Officer for the third deployment to New Orleans. He has been instrumental in the formation of the Northern Illinois Community University Incident Management Team. He is a certified Fire Officer III and holds an Associates Degree from Kishwaukee Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Illinois University, and a Master’s Degree in Fire Administration from Grand Canyon University.
Timothy Hoeppner
Assistant Chief
Assistant Chief Timothy Hoeppner started with NDFD in 1990, became Captain in 1999 before being promoted to Assistant Chief in 2010. He previously was a member of the Osolo Township Fire Department in Elkhart County where he had served as firefighter since 1983 and as a volunteer for the local ambulance service. He serves as NDFD’s Chief of Operations, his certifications include SCUBA diver, Confined Space, High Angle Rope and Trench Rescue, Hazardous Materials Operations and as a Fire Inspector. In his free time, Chief Hoeppner enjoys golf, SCUBA diving, fishing and in the summer sitting by his pool.
His wife Robin works in the First Year of Studies at the University, and they are the proud parents of daughters Madison, graduate of IUSB and Emily, 2018 graduate of the University of Notre Dame.
Tim and Robin became the proud grandparents of Cooper (parents James and Madison Lengerich Jr.) born in October of 2020. Emily is currently working in New York City as a consultant.
Mary Weigle
Senior Administrative Assistant
Mary Weigle is NDFD’s Senior Administrative Assistant and joined the department in 2006. Prior to coming to NDFD, Mary hosted, produced and directed One Shot Challenge, an outdoor hunting television show that highlighted women and children in the shooting sport industry and promoted archery and muzzleloading. One Shot Challenge aired on the Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel for six years. Mary also worked for American Greetings and Clairol as a sales and marketing representative. Some of her responsibilities with NDFD include the scheduling and billing of all fire protection work performed on campus, budget, payroll and scheduling firefighters and student EMTs for shift vacancies and other special events.
Mary graduated from John Carroll University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Business. She has two children – her son Kurt works for the Calhoun County, Michigan Sheriff’s Department and her daughter Kristina graduated from St. Mary’s College with a degree in Nursing.
Francis Gorch
Brother
Brother Francis Gorch was the last firefighting Brother with NDFD. Brother Frank has been at the University for over 60 years, having initially arrived on campus in 1941 as a seminarian before returning to Notre Dame after professing in 1948. Over the years, he has served in a number of capacities by working at the bookstore, as caretaker of the cemetery and as treasurer in the Main Building. From 1963 to 1965, he was the host for University Masses. From 1965 to 1989 he managed LaFortune Student Center and at one point concurrently managed Washington Hall.
Brother Frank moved out of the firehouse in 2002 and resided at Holy Cross House. His unwavering loyalty to NDFD and his enthusiasm for protecting Our Lady’s University made him the epitome of what it means to be a Notre Dame firefighter. Brother Frank passed away on November 14, 2015.
Sarah Ingle
Director of Medical Outreach
Sarah Ingle started her career at Notre Dame in 2014 as a staff nurse at University Health Services. In 2018 she became an on-call nurse with the Medical Outreach program and eventually was appointed Medical Outreach Coordinator in 2019. During The University’s Covid response, in 2020, Sarah transitioned to a full time role as supervisor of the CRU testing site. In the Spring ‘21 semester, Sarah served as the medical operations lead overseeing the Covid Vaccine Clinic held in the Compton Family Ice Arena. She is a 2006 graduate of the University of Minnesota where she received a B.A in Anthropology and Archeology and embarked on a career in Cultural Resources Management. In 2010, she pursued a B.S. degree in Nursing from Indiana University South Bend, graduating in Fall 2011. She has served the South Bend Community as an Emergency Room nurse for the past 10 years.
Sarah’s has two children, Winnie and Brian. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys long distance hiking, running, camping, and enjoying time outside with her family and two pups Cubbie and Josie.
Ashley Kauble
Medical Outreach Program Manager
Ashley started at the University of Notre Dame in 2008. She left for a few years and came back in 2020 assisting with the testing at the Covid Response Unit. After CRU was closed, she became Program Manager for Medical Outreach. Ashley became an EMT in 2011 and brings those skills to her job.
A Shift
Sean Killelea
Captain
Captain Sean Killelea came to NDFD in April of 2017 after being an On Call Firefighter with us for 4 years. Sean was promoted to Captain in August 2021. He started his career as a Volunteer Firefighter with Clay Fire Territory in 1999. He lived in Florida from 2001 to 2008, returning to Clay Fire Territory in 2008 where he still works part time as an Inspector/Engineer. Captain Killelea came to us from Warren Township Fire Department where he worked full time since January of 2011. He spent his last three years as a shift Captain. Sean holds many Indiana State Certifications and has recently been working on his Technical Rescue Certification's since he has joined the MABAS 201 Technical Rescue Team for the University.
When Sean isn't working he enjoys spending time with his family, his fiancee Stephanie and their 2 sons Dylan and Devin. They love the outdoors and spend a lot of time camping, fishing, mountain biking, and jet skiing.
Michelle Woolverton
Lieutenant
Lieutenant Michelle Woolverton came to NDFD in 2010 as an on-call EMT while attending the Paramedic program at Ivy Tech along with the Fire Academy at Clay Fire Territory. After graduating both in 2011, Michelle took a full time position with Notre Dame in Building Services where she was a Supervisor for nine years. During this time, Michelle remained passionate about helping people and working in the Fire industry and continued to work towards her dream of having a career with NDFD which became a reality in August 2019. She was promoted in August of 2020 to Lieutenant. She currently holds a number of state certifications including Firefighter I & II, EMT-B, Hazmat Responder & Vehicle and Machinery Rescue Operations.
Michelle and her husband Bill have been married for 23 years. Together they have two boys Austin and Nick and a puppy named Gilbert. During her spare time, Michelle likes being outdoors, spending time with her family and working on home remodel projects.
Carly Gutelius
Firefighter
Firefighter Carly Gutelius joined NDFD in September, 2022. She developed a love for the fire service at a young age from watching her dad serve as a volunteer. Carly began her career as a volunteer firefighter cadet at the age of fifteen on LaPaz-North Twp. Volunteer Fire Department, and a year later joined Polk Twp. Volunteer Fire Department, both located in Marshall County, IN. She is now an official member on both departments and has the opportunity to do what she loves with her dad and little brother by her side. She has always had a passion for helping others and serving her community. While in high school, she worked as a lifeguard and obtained her EMT-B certifications through the state of Indiana and National Registry. Carly also holds certifications in Firefighter I and II and Hazmat Operations. Following graduation, Carly worked full time for Beacon Health System Transport and completed her first year of nursing school at Valparaiso University.
In her spare time, Carly enjoys spending time with her boyfriend Dylan, her family, and her friends. She loves going thrifting and shopping with her mom, and taking trips to go SCUBA diving with her dad and brother. She is a dog mom to her hound puppy, Moose, and has ten chickens and three ducks that she adores.
Ben Mecyssine
Firefighter
Firefighter Benjamin Mecyssine joined the fire service in 2015 after graduating from the Indiana District One Fire Academy in the summer of 2015, and completed his EMT license in 2016. Firefighter Mecyssine comes to the NDFD after serving with the Munster Fire Department as a paid on call firefighter since 2015, and a part time firefighter/EMT with the Lake Station Fire Department since 2018. He has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from Purdue University,as well as a bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Management also from Purdue University. He is internationally certified through the International Firefighters Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) as a firefighter I and II, as well as in hazardous materials operations. Additionally, he has several certifications from the National Fire Academy as well as several FEMA certifications. He began his career with Notre Dame in the summer of 2021. When not at work he enjoys relaxing at home and spending time with friends and family.
B Shift
Mike Holdeman
Captain
Captain Michael Holdeman joined NDFD as an on-call firefighter in 2000 and was hired full time in 2005 before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2009 and Captain in 2010. A member of the fire service since 1984, he also continues to serve his home community of Union, Michigan as chief of the Porter Township Fire Department.
Captain Holdeman has spent his entire life in the Michiana area and has an extensive background in agriculture. He holds certifications for Firefighter I&II, Hazardous Materials Operations, Rescue Diver, Techinical Rescue and Vehicle Extrication. He and his wife Vicki are the parents of eight children: Jason, Courtney, Heather, Jordan, Hillary, Heidi, Lauren and Chase and they have one grandchild, Makyah.
Anne Schnura
Lieutenant
Before joining Notre Dame Fire Department in November of 2020, Anne served with the City of Durham, NC Fire Department. Her love for the fire service began from a young age, but the true spark began in 2013 at Carlinville, IL Volunteer Fire Department.
Anne has an undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University (EIU) and a graduate degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato (MSU). In her free time Anne loves hiking with her dog Cricket and spending time with her nieces and nephew.
Anne was promoted to Lieutenant in August 2022.
Brennen Snedeker
Firefighter
Firefighter Brennen Snedeker has been in the fire service since 2018; graduating from VA’s Stafford County Fire & Rescue Academy 12.
In 2020 he and his wife Alyssa moved back home to South Bend where he began his career at Notre Dame as an EMT with the COVID Response Unit. Firefighter Snedeker joined NDFD in September of 2022. Since returning home, he and his wife were blessed with their first child, a beautiful baby girl, Haiven. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and staying active either at the gym or enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, snowboarding etc.
C Shift
Richard Franco
Captain
Captain Richard Franco started his career in the fire service in 1998. He worked for the NAS Key West Fire Dept (4yrs), Key West Fire Dept (12yrs), Penn Township Fire Dept (3 1/2 yrs) were he still works part time. He began working for NDFD in April 2017 as an On Call before being hired to a full time position in June 2018. He was promoted to Lieutenant in August of 2021 and Captain in August 2022. Captain Franco holds numerous fire service certification including Hazmat Technician, High Angle Rescue, Trench, Confined Space, Extrication and Inspector I.
When he’s not working he enjoys spending time with his two children Greysen and Ella and his German Shepard Harper.
Corey Cole
Lieutenant
Lieutenant Corey Cole has been in the fire service since 2010 beginning his career as a volunteer for Baugo Fire Department in April 2010 and is currently a part-time paid Battalion Chief Firefighter/EMT-B. He became a fulltime firefighter/EMT-B for Osolo Township Fire Department for 2.5 years. He currently holds a number of State certifications including Firefighter I and II, EMT-B, and Fire Investigator. He began his career for NDFD in June of 2017 as a Firefighter and was promoted to Lieutenant in August of 2021..
Corey married his lovely wife Jessica in July of 2008. Together they have 2 children, Gabriel and Isabella. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and playing sports. He also enjoys building things and remodeling.
Jason Fischer
Firefighter
Firefighter Jason Fischer started his career in the fire service in 2009. Jason worked for the SouthWest Central Fire Territory for 14 years and Madison Township Fire Department for 7 years. He stil volunteers for the Madison Fire Department as its Assistant Fire Chief. Firefighter Fischer began working as an On-Call for the University of Notre Dame Fire Department in January of 2020. He was hired as a Full Time Firefighter in August of 2023. Firefighter Fischer holds numerous fire service certifications.
On March 1, 2013 Jason married the love of his life Kate Fischer. They have 2 amazing daughters, Gentry and Dawsyn. Jason and his wife are looking forward to welcoming their third child in April of 2024.
Kristen Ortega
Firefighter
Firefighter Kristen Ortega has been in the fire service since 2017, graduating from Clay Fire Territory academy class of 14. Kristen began her career with Notre Dame Fire Department in August of 2021. Through out her career with the University of Notre Dame's Fire Department she sought out further education by obtaining her Instructor I, Fire Investigator and ICS 300 & 400 certificates.
Kristen is mom to three children, Giuliana, Amani and Avery as well as a dog mom to Capone a Dalmatian and Ozzy . Kristen is newly engaged to her fiance Mike and is exited to add him and his son to the family in the Fall of 2024. She enjoys camping, concerts and spending time with her kids traveling to find new adventures.
Technicians
Matt Kovach
Fire Alarm Technician
Technician Matt Kovach came to the University of Notre Dame Fire Department in August 2022. Matthew had worked 16 years for Coca Cola Sales and Distribution in South Bend, Indiana. Matthew is very excited and proud to serve and help protect the Notre Dame community. He and his wife Michelle are South Bend natives along with their 3 sons, Jaxon, Orion, and Nolan. In his free time, Matt enjoys coaching his sons in basketball and baseball, along with a few rounds of golf. Spending time with family and friends is a top priority for Matthew.
Nick Kovach
Fire Protection Technician
Technician Nicholas Kovach came to NDFD in March of 2017 after working in the fire protection industry for 16 years with F.A.S.T. and Koorsen Fire and Security. He holds a NICET certification in Fire Alarm inspection, testing and service. Technician Kovach is a 2013 graduate of Liberty University with a Social Science degree focusing in Communication, Business, and Economics. Nicholas and his wife Lora reside in Elkhart with their daughters Lucia and Atalia. He enjoys spending time with his family and reading classical literature during his spare time.
Dwight Niles
Lead Fire Protection Technician - Firefighter
Firefighter-Technician Dwight Niles joined NDFD in 2011. Prior to joining NDFD he worked in the Fire Protection Industry for 10 years. From 2008-2011 he was in charge of the Fire Protection Service and Maintenance for the University. Dwight and wife Christianna have 3 children Sarah, Jeff and Jacob and 5 grandchildren Zoie, Owen, Randi, Elizabeth, and Daniel. Dwight enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.