Candidate For Lake County Council District 6

Steven A. Minchuk, 46, is a proud lifelong resident of Merrillville, Indiana, and an active community leader, union advocate, and father to his 15-year-old son, AJ. With over 25 years as a proud dues-paying union member, Steven has built a career and reputation rooted in service, leadership, and dedication to both his community and the labor movement.

A 1999 graduate of Merrillville High School, Steven was a student-athlete on the football team and served as an elected class officer. He went on to study Building Trades and Construction at Ivy Tech Community College, and holds numerous certifications from the Fire Department and the Department of Homeland Security.

Steven began his public service career with the Merrillville Volunteer Fire Department (1998–2018), where he rose through the ranks from Firefighter to Lieutenant, Captain, Training Chief, Battalion Chief, and member of the Fire Service Board of Directors. He later served with the Gary Fire Department, Local 359 (2001–2012), and worked for Norfolk Southern Railroad, UTU Local (2012–2013). Since 2013, Steven has been with Cleveland-Cliffs, USW Local 6787, where he currently serves as a Safety Training Instructor and Assistant Griever.

In addition to his professional career, Steven has been deeply involved in public service and community leadership. He is an elected Merrillville Precinct Committee Person, Board Member of the Ross Township Board (2016–Present), President of the Merrillville Fire Territory Board, member of Tech Credit Union Board of Directors (2025-Present), and an Executive Board Member and current President of the Northern Indiana Area Labor Federation (AFL-CIO)—representing 23 counties, 58 union affiliates, and more than 24,000 union members across Northern Indiana.

Steven’s organizational involvement reflects his commitment to civic duty and fellowship. He is a proud member of the Gary Masonic Lodge #677, the Slovak Club, the Sons of the American Legion Post 20, the Crown Point Moose Lodge, and the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association.

A dedicated youth mentor, Steven has volunteered for over 20 years as a Merrillville Pop Warner Football Coach, helping lead teams to multiple state championships.

His hard work and service have been recognized through numerous honors, including the USW Jefferson Award (2016, inaugural year) and the George Meany Award (2024).

A lifelong community activist, Steven has devoted countless hours to supporting local causes—organizing back-to-school events, softball tournaments for Hoosier Burn Camp, chili cook-offs, car washes, food drives, and fundraisers for public safety and youth programs. Whether coaching, volunteering at the American Legion, or supporting food pantries and shelters, Steven continues to embody the spirit of service, solidarity, and leadership that defines his life and work.