Portage, IN – A veteran St. John police detective died Friday night after suffering a medical emergency while playing hockey in St. John.
According to St. John Police Chief Steve Flores, officers and firefighters were dispatched just before 10 p.m. to the Midwest Training and Ice Center on White Oak Avenue for a report of a man experiencing a medical crisis on the ice. Bystanders were already performing CPR when emergency responders arrived and identified the man as Detective Aaron Amptmeyer.
St. John EMS personnel continued resuscitation efforts en route to St. Margaret Mercy Hospital in Dyer, where hospital staff worked for several minutes to revive him. Despite their efforts, Amptmeyer was pronounced dead.
Amptmeyer began his law enforcement career in 2005 with the Gary Police Department before joining the Dyer Police Department in 2007. He moved to the St. John Police Department in 2018, serving as a patrol officer, tactical officer, detective and most recently as Commander of the Northwest Regional SWAT Team.
Colleagues described him as a highly decorated officer dedicated to mentoring young officers and committed to his SWAT unit. Chief Flores said Amptmeyer was also a devoted father to his daughter and someone who “touched so many lives” in his community.
The Portage Police Department released a statement Saturday extending condolences to Amptmeyer’s family, coworkers, and friends, calling his loss “unexpected” and “deeply felt” across Northwest Indiana law enforcement agencies.
Funeral arrangements for Detective Amptmeyer have not yet been announced.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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