Salem Fire & EMS Department

06/14/2026

Today, C-shift personnel stopped to support Salem’s next generation of entrepreneurs. After they enjoyed some delicious lemonade they gave them an up close and personal look at Engine 2.

06/10/2026

A-shift took advantage of the beautiful weather this morning and got some pump training in on E1 and E2!

06/09/2026

05/28/2026

🚒 Salem Fire Spotlight 🚒

Each month, we highlight one of the dedicated members of our department, giving our community a closer look at the people who proudly serve the City of Salem each day.

This month, we’re proud to recognize Firefighter/Paramedic Ellen Heffner!

Ellen has been with the department for 4 ½ years and recently achieved a major milestone by obtaining her Paramedic licensure earlier this month. She is also an active member of our HazMat Team, continuing to grow her skills and serve the department in multiple roles.

One of Ellen’s favorite parts of the job is the camaraderie and family atmosphere within the station. She believes a strong crew starts with a captain who leads by example and teammates who continuously build each other up. When she’s off duty, Ellen enjoys training at the gym, spending time with family, and traveling with family and friends.

Congratulations to Ellen on her recent accomplishment, and thank you for your dedication and service to our department and community! 👏

05/22/2026

Our office was pleased to host a future bride who wished to take photographs with firefighters as a tribute to her father, a member of the fire service from out of state.

05/20/2026

Last Thursday, recruits from Academy 41 completed their Firefighter 1 Live Burn training.

The evolutions they went through gave recruits the opportunity to showcase and strengthen the skills they’ve learned so far through hands-on live fire scenarios in a controlled training environment. We’re proud of the hard work and dedication these recruits continue to demonstrate as they progress through the academy. Great job, Class 41!

05/15/2026

Three members of Salem Fire-EMS recently participated in Rescue Challenge 2026 as part of Virginia Task Force 6. This year’s event covered rope rescue, confined space, trench rescue, and wilderness search and rescue. We would like to recognize our very own, Captain Hite, for serving as the team lead this year!

We are very proud of all of our members who attended for representing Salem Fire-EMS with dedication, professionalism, and commitment!

05/07/2026

Two weekends ago, firefighters from throughout the area came together at the Roanoke Valley Regional Training Center for a weekend full of training! Members from multiple departments, both career and volunteer, participated in a variety of tracks including Engine, Truck, Company Officer, Engine Pump Operator, and Chief Officer Training.

We’re proud to train alongside other departments and are grateful for the instructors who dedicated their time and knowledge to make this event a success. Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to invest in themselves and our communities!

05/04/2026

Happy International Firefighters Day! 🚒

Today is a day dedicated to honoring the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of firefighters everywhere! We are especially proud to recognize those in our very own Salem Fire Department, both past and present.

To our active members, whether you’re on shift now or getting ready to come in within the next few days, you’re the reason this department continues to provide exceptional service for our community. The job isn’t always visible, but it’s always being done. Whether it’s on the trucks, in the stations, or out in the community.

To our retirees and past members, your legacy continues to live on in every call we respond to and every life we impact. We are grateful for the path you paved! Together, we’re family bound by commitment, service, and sacrifice.

To all firefighters today and every day: stay safe and thank you for all that you do!