"We would like to keep the memories of our past members alive and never forget the years they dedicated to this community," said Fire Chief Chad Dutz, who trained alongside Nondorf. "Chief Nondorf's commitment was extraordinary. He was committed to his vision for the department and passionate about achieving his goals for the community."

Mayor Jon Costas said Nondorf is remembered as a consummate fire chief, a man of integrity, and a dear friend of Valparaiso.

Costas named Nondorf fire chief upon taking office in 2004.

Nondorf died in August after a seven-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kristy, and three children, Nicholas, Zachary and Madison. Nicholas Nondorf has been a Valparaiso firefighter since 2011.

In January 2009, Ladder 26 barreled down a hill, plowing through a major intersection with no brakes. The truck slammed into a building, killing Kelley and injuring two firefighters.

Investigators found brake failure caused by improper maintenance was partly to blame, and the accident exposed major flaws in the department's vehicle maintenance program, flaws that put the safety of firefighters and the public at risk.

The city overhauled the Fleet Maintenance Division, replacing firefighters who were performing maintenance with licensed mechanics.

But a report obtained by 5 investigates calls that move an abject failure, suggesting the hard lessons from Kelley's death have not been learned.

According to the report, daily inspections have been abandoned and preventative maintenance is in disarray, with some trucks more than 200 days past due on inspections.

In addition, the report found no one in the department knows how to use the computerized fleet management system and tests on engines to make sure they pump out enough water at the right pressure were not properly done.