Rock Island Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 26

05/31/2026

LOCAL 26 SUPPORTS CAYDEN’S CREW

The Rock Island Firefighters Association Local 26 is proud to support Cayden Mikita and his family.

Cayden was born on July 15, 2025, following a traumatic birth and was diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen. Since then, he has also been diagnosed with spastic Cerebral Palsy and Infantile Spasms, and his journey continues with incredible strength and determination.

Despite the challenges he faces, Cayden continues to fight every day and inspire everyone around him.

Many therapies and treatments that could significantly benefit Cayden are not covered by insurance. To help offset these costs, his family has graciously allowed us to create “Cayden’s Crew” T-shirt fundraiser.

We encourage our Local 26 members, families, friends, and the entire Rock Island community to consider supporting this amazing little fighter by purchasing a shirt or sharing this fundraiser.

When one family in our first responder community needs support, we come together. That’s what being a community is all about.

Please join us in showing Cayden and his family that they are not fighting this battle alone.

Stronger Together.
Cayden’s Crew.
Local 26 Proud.

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04/22/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals Week

This week, we recognize someone who plays a critical role in keeping the Rock Island Fire Department moving every single day, Isabel Pena.

Since joining the department in 2024, Isabel has become a constant behind the scenes. While most of the public sees the crews on the rigs, we know the reality: the job doesn’t run without the people holding everything together inside the building, and Isabel is a big part of that.

She keeps things organized when they could easily become chaos, tracks down what needs to get done, and helps make sure we can focus on the work out on the street. Whether it’s helping members navigate paperwork, keeping operations moving, or just being someone you can count on, she shows up for this department day in and day out.

Around the stations, she’s known for more than just getting the job done. She treats people right. Always approachable, always willing to help, and yes… usually has a stash of chocolate nearby when you need it most.

And as you’ll see in the video, she’s not just holding it down behind the desk. Isabel recently took on the driver’s training course in the department pickup and ran it clean… not a single cone touched. That’s the kind of pride and attention to detail she brings to everything she does.

From the union membership, Isabel, we appreciate what you do. The work behind the scenes matters, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.

Thank you for being part of this department.

03/21/2026

Great job, Teanna. Your awareness made the difference.

Fire Safety Reminder
• Make sure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home
• Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed
• If you see or smell smoke—act immediately

Early detection and quick action save lives.

From all of us at Rock Island Firefighters Local 26, thank you for helping keep our community safe.

Stay alert. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

Teanna McCabe is the recipient of our March Photo of the Month! The photo features Teanna posed in front of a Rock Island fire truck. Teanna alerted the office and shop staff after seeing and smelling smoke in the building. All employees evacuated the building until the area was cleared by the Rock Island Fire Department. A big thank you to Teanna for being alert and taking action to keep everyone safe. Teanna is a Plumbing Service Dispatcher. She has been with the company for six years.

03/18/2026

FF Mike Altman of the Chicago Fire Department, assigned to Truck 47, was critically injured while doing what he always does- putting others first. During a primary search at a structure fire looking for trapped victims, Mike fell through the floor into a room that was fully on fire. He sustained burns over more than 90 percent of his body and is now in the burn unit at Cook County Hospital, where he succumb to his injuries.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his brothers and sisters of the CFD.

Fundraiser has been set up from The Yard Foundation.
https://www.theyardfoundation.org/mayday/altman

03/14/2026

Local 26 firefighters and their families proudly took part in the annual Bi-State St. Patrick’s Day Parade. We always enjoy coming together to celebrate this great tradition and represent our union and community with pride.

03/08/2026

Rock Island Firefighters Association Local 26 members and their families took the plunge today for a great cause!

We were proud to jump in and support the Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois, helping raise money and awareness for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Events like the Polar Plunge are some of the largest fundraisers supporting year-round sports, training, and opportunities for Special Olympics athletes. 

It’s always an honor to stand with our community, support these incredible athletes, and have a little fun (even in freezing water) for a great cause.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and cheered us on!

02/19/2026

Local 26 PROUDLY SUPPORTS

BROTHER STEVEN STECHER

We encourage all AFFI District 2 Locals to join us in voting for his candidacy.

02/09/2026

We’re excited to announce our annual St. Patrick’s Day shirt fundraiser supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)! 💚

Every shirt sold helps provide critical support and resources to families right here in our community. This is a great way to show your St. Patrick’s Day spirit while making a real difference.

Please share this post with friends and family, and help us spread the word!

And be sure to keep an eye out for our annual Fill the Boot drive coming up this fall – another great opportunity to support MDA.

Thank you for your continued generosity and support!

12/12/2025

Congratulations to two of our newest members who were officially sworn in: Macon Borne and Randyn Carter. We’re proud to welcome you both.

We also recognized outstanding service with 20-year badges presented to Joe Schmieder and Darrell Devilder. Thank you for two decades of dedication and commitment.

Election of Officers

The following officers were elected and sworn in:
• Secretary/Treasurer: Joel Wilford
• First Vice President: Justin Welvaert
• Executive Board Member: Kyle Bates

11/18/2025

🎄 RIFD CHRISTMAS SHIRTS ARE HERE! 🎄

Rock Island Firefighters Local 26 is excited to roll out our 2025 Christmas shirts, featuring this year’s custom RIFD Grinch design! 👇🔥💚

These shirts are perfect for the holidays—whether you’re supporting your local firefighters, grabbing a gift for family, or rocking some festive station pride.

👕 Shirts are now on sale!
✔️ Limited quantities
✔️ Great for all ages
✔️ Supports Local 26 and our community efforts

If you’d like to order, follow the link below. Thank you for always supporting your Rock Island firefighters—stay safe, stay warm, and Merry Christmas from Local 26! 🎅🚒💛

https://stores.inksoft.com/ri_fire_christmas_shirts_2025/shop/home