IAFF Arlington

08/15/2026

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) unanimously voted to censure — or publicly reprimand — Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D), saying she “turned her back” on the…

08/12/2026

07/28/2026

A 50% reduction in rescue capabilities is a loss for our community, not a milestone.

Consolidating two essential heavy rescue units into a single apparatus (Rescue 101) is a significant reduction in critical services.

The data tells a clear story: having fewer specialized units on the street inevitably leads to increased response delays across the county. During complex, high hazard emergencies where specialized extrication or rescue equipment is required, every single second counts.

Increased response times have a direct, tangible impact on the safety of Arlington's citizens. As our community continues to grow and traffic density increases, we should be maintaining and expanding our life-saving resources to ensure rapid emergency response times, rather than cutting our heavy rescue fleet in half.

Our community's safety depends on swift, reliable emergency services when they need them the most.

Arlington County Virginia – Government

07/28/2026

Norfolk is creating 34 positions to cut firefighters' average workweek to about 42 hours

07/12/2026

Out of respect for our department following the unexpected loss of one of our active members, we have postponed our FF/EMT Recruitment Informational Webinar for tomorrow, July 12th at 1pm.

We appreciate your understanding as we support our members during this difficult time.

A new webinar date will be announced for later this month. Please continue to follow our social media channels and recruitment website for updates.

Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to connecting with you soon.

07/12/2026

And another one!! Norfolk Fire Rescue is currently recruiting lateral firefighters for a fourth shift to transition to the 24/72, 42 hour workweek.

As you heard in my latest episode with Dr Kellie O'Dare, the science is irrefutable. Departments who have already made the switch are also seeing immense success.

Recruitment is through the roof and they are choosing high quality candidates.

The money previously lost through poor recruitment, retention and overtime has been front loaded to fund the fourth shift.

Mandatory overtime is gone as positions are filled once more.

Departments are reporting less sick time usage and increased morale.

There is no downside except the courage to act.

You can find a mountain of FREE resources on the 24/72 tab of the Behind the Shield Podcast website.

Who's next?? 😁🔥

07/08/2026

Today, Rescue 109 pulled an occupant out of a house fire. Remember they are being CUT.

This isn't just a line item in a budget, this is real life. When seconds count, we need our specialized rescue units on the streets, not on the chopping block.

06/30/2026

Today, the Virginia General Assembly approved the Commonwealth’s biennial budget which includes over $4 million to provide life-saving cancer screenings for Virginia’s firefighters. The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) has sought to secure this funding for the past three sessions of the Virginia General Assembly.

“This is a big deal for Virginia’s firefighters,” stated Kurt Detrick, President of the VPFF. “There have been too many funerals for our firefighters who have died of occupational cancer. While many departments provide this service to their firefighters, all departments in Virginia can now help find cancer early through screening and hopefully prevent these deaths. I would like to recognize Jennifer Pike, our Director of Governmental Affairs and our entire legislative team on this long-fought victory. And thank you to the General Assembly who voted to invest in the protection of Virginia’s firefighters.”

For the full news release, please visit https://www.vpff.org/news/

International Association of Fire Fighters

06/24/2026

Morale and staffing are improving at the Alexandria Fire Department after a 49-hour work week was implemented, according to an annual presentation to City Council by Fire Chief Felipe Hernandez Jr. yesterday (Tuesday). AFD implemented the 49-hour work week in October 2025, reducing weekly hours from...