PORTAGE | Dave Highlands grew up in a family devoted to the city of Portage.

Highlands, who died unexpectedly Wednesday at the age of 54, often credited his parents, Hy and Noal, for his desire to serve the community.

A 42-year resident of the city, Highlands often talked about his parents' involvement in Portage gaining city status in 1968. His father served on the city's Plan Commission. His mother served for a number of years as the 1st Congressional District vice chairwoman on the Indiana Republican State Committee.

A 1970 graduate of Portage High School, Highlands began his career with the city's street department. In the mid-1970s, he worked as a laborer for National Steel Midwest Division.

During his time at the steel mill, Highlands was involved in an industrial accident, which caused the loss of a portion of an arm and a leg.

But friends and fellow public servants said that "handicap" never diminished his abilities to serve the community or to eventually become a forensic accountant for one of the top Chicago financial firms.

"He never let his handicap or nothing get in the way of doing the right thing," fellow Councilman Mark Oprisko said.

Highlands went on to earn degrees from Purdue University North Central in management in 1977 and 1981 and a master's in business from the University of Notre Dame in 1990.

He continued to work for National Steel Corp. in various roles, including as a manager in the financial department, purchasing director and director of internal audits until the company was purchased by U.S. Steel. He presently served as senior director of financial investigation and litigation services for McGovern & Greene in Chicago.

Prior to serving on the City Council, Highlands served on the city's Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. He was appointed as 3rd District councilman in 1988 and was elected to the position for four more four-year terms. As councilman, he served on every committee, chairing the budget committee and most recently leading negotiations with labor unions representing police, fire and street department personnel.

He also served as the Portage Township Republican chairman and Porter County Republican Central vice precinct and precinct committeeman.

Highlands' involvement in the community went beyond politics. He also served on the board of directors of the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce, Porter County Salvation Army, Christmas in April, Jobs for the Disabled Inc., and Porter County Crimestoppers. He also was president and co-founder of COIL, a Portage-based economic development organization.