Kingston Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 461

08/23/2026

Tonight, Kingston firefighters put a newly acquired piece of lifesaving equipment to work for the first time in the City and saw exactly why investments in our emergency response capabilities matter.

Kingston Fire Department personnel responded to a patient in cardiac arrest and immediately began a coordinated resuscitation effort. Through high-quality CPR, advanced life support care, the use of our new LUCAS mechanical CPR device, a portable ventilator, and the combined teamwork of KFD and Kingston Police Department personnel, the patient regained a pulse prior to arrival at the hospital. This marked the first use of the LUCAS device in the City of Kingston and resulted in return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) before reaching the hospital.

One of the goals of this device is to provide consistent, uninterrupted chest compressions while allowing personnel to focus on the many other critical tasks required during a cardiac arrest. Tonight, we saw that capability put into practice. A successful resuscitation is never the result of one person or one piece of equipment. It takes training, preparation, the right resources, and a team of people working together toward the same goal.

Tonight was a great example of all of them.

The Kingston Professional Firefighters stand in solidarity with the International Association of Fire Fighters and the New York State Professional Firefighters Association - NYSPFFA

08/05/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers from Albany Fire as we pray for a speedy recovery for the injured member.

This afternoon, a member of our local/department, was involved in a critical incident during the course of his duties, causing serious injuries and was subsequently airlifted to a hospital out of the area, following treatment on scene by Albany Fire Department personnel.

While this incident continues to unfold, we ask the Albany community, brother and sister firefighters, and the public in general to keep our member and his family in your thoughts.

For further media inquiries, please contact the Office of the Fire Chief at 518-447-7879

07/31/2026

July has been one of the busiest times in the city this year.

Between hot weather, outdoor cooking, fireworks, swimming, storms, travel, and summer events, Kingston firefighters have responded to a wide range of emergencies throughout the month.

A few simple reminders can help keep your family and neighbors safe:

Keep grills away from buildings and decks.
Stay hydrated and check on people who may be affected by the heat.
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working.
Use caution around pools, creeks, and open water.
Leave fireworks to the professionals.
Slow down and move over when you see emergency crews working.

Summer should be a time to enjoy our community, our families, and everything Kingston has to offer.

Your Kingston firefighters are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready to respond whenever we are needed.

07/27/2026

The labor movement has always been about something simple: working people standing together to make life better for one another.

Fair wages. Safer working conditions. Reasonable hours. Time with family. A voice on the job. These things were not handed down freely. They were earned by generations of workers who believed that dignity at work matters.

For firefighters, labor has always been tied directly to safety. Safe staffing, proper equipment, fair schedules, training, and health protections do not just support firefighters. They help us better serve the communities we are sworn to protect.

The Kingston Professional Firefighters Association is proud to be part of that tradition.

We honor the workers who came before us, we stand with working families today, and we remain committed to protecting both our members and the city we serve.

The Kingston Professional Firefighters proudly represent our members locally while standing in solidarity with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the New York State Professional Firefighters Association - NYSPFFA.

07/25/2026

Behind every specialized rescue response are trained professional firefighters who are ready when the call comes in.

Members of the Kingston Professional Firefighters Association train and operate in several highly specialized disciplines, including rope rescue, confined-space rescue, hazardous materials response, and Tactical Emergency Medical Services.

These responses do not happen by chance. They require continuous training, specialized equipment, teamwork, and - most importantly - qualified firefighters staffed on duty and ready to respond 24 hours a day.

Our members are proud to protect the City of Kingston while also providing specialized rescue capabilities in support of communities throughout Ulster County.

07/23/2026

Summer Safety: Know the Signs of Heat Emergencies

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat-related illness.

Heat exhaustion can come on with symptoms like dizziness, heavy sweating, thirst, nausea, weakness, and headache. If this happens, move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, rest, and sip cool water.

Heat stroke is much more serious and can become life-threatening quickly. Confusion, passing out, a severe headache, dizziness, or a very high body temperature are warning signs that emergency help is needed.

If you think someone may be suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately, move them to a cooler area, remove extra layers, and begin cooling them with water or ice while help is on the way.

Summer heat can affect anyone, but children, older adults, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with medical conditions are especially at risk.

Know the signs. Act early. Call 911 when it becomes an emergency.

The Kingston Professional Firefighters proudly represent our members locally while standing in solidarity with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association.

07/19/2026

Most people know firefighters work long shifts, but many do not realize what that schedule really adds up to over a career.

Kingston firefighters work a 24/72 schedule: 24 hours on duty, followed by 72 hours off.

That schedule averages out to about 42 hours per week. Compared to a typical 40-hour work week, that is about 2 extra hours every week.

Over a 30-year career, that adds up to roughly 3,120 additional hours worked.

That equals about 1.5 extra years of work compared to a 40-hour-per-week employee.

Those hours are spent away from family, holidays, birthdays, weekends, nights, and mornings, while remaining ready to respond whenever the community calls.

It is one more reminder that fire department staffing is not just about numbers on paper. It is about the people who commit their time, their health, and their careers to serving this city.

The Kingston Professional Firefighters proudly represent our members locally while standing in solidarity with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the New York State Professional Firefighters Association.

07/15/2026

Summer Safety: Look Before You Lock

Even on a mild day, the inside of a vehicle can become dangerously hot in a very short amount of time.

Children, pets, older adults, and anyone who may not be able to get out on their own should never be left alone inside a vehicle, even for a quick stop.

Before you lock your vehicle and walk away, take a second look in the back seat.

A few seconds can prevent a tragedy.

The Kingston Professional Firefighters proudly represent our members locally while standing in solidarity with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the New York State Professional Firefighters Association - NYSPFFA.

07/10/2026

Why Did Both Respond?

In a previous post, we talked about the difference between a fire engine and a ladder truck.

A common question people have when they see Kingston Fire Department apparatus on scene is: why did both respond?

The answer is simple: they bring different tools, different equipment, and different capabilities.

A fire engine is built around water, hose lines, pumping capability, fire attack, and EMS response. Kingston staffs three fire engines, and those crews are often responsible for getting water on the fire, stretching hose lines, establishing water supply, handling medical care, and starting the initial work on scene.

Truck 1, Kingston’s ladder truck, is built around access and specialized support. Truck 1 carries the aerial ladder, ground ladders, forcible entry tools, ventilation equipment, rescue equipment, and EMS equipment. The ladder truck helps firefighters reach upper floors, roofs, windows, and areas that may be difficult or unsafe to access otherwise.

Many emergencies are not fully known until firefighters arrive and investigate. A fire alarm, odor of smoke, smoke condition, electrical issue, motor vehicle crash, or reported fire may require more than one type of apparatus.

When you see an engine and Truck 1 at the same incident, they are not duplicating each other. Each crew has a role, and each apparatus brings something different to the scene.

The Kingston Professional Firefighters proudly represent our members locally while standing in solidarity with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the New York State Professional Firefighters Association - NYSPFFA.

07/10/2026

KPFFA members will be out cooking hotdogs at the end of the parade. Come on out, watch the parade, and support the future of Kingston as they parade to the Plaza.

We are so excited for the 56th Annual Children's Day Parade! Registration to participate is free and can be found at https://kingston.recdesk.com/Community/Program?category=1

We're looking forward to a marvelous event! 🤩

For more information, please contact Shataya McComb at 845-481-7332.