Salem Fire & EMS Department

08/31/2026

Dedication doesn't end at retirement! 🚒

Retired Battalion Chiefs Eddie Hite and Rob Johnson are still hard at work serving our community as our official Hydrant Maintenance and Painting Team.

Freshly painted hydrants aren't just about looks—their colors indicate specific water flow capabilities. While our fire engines carry 750 gallons of water for an immediate response, establishing a reliable hydrant connection is critical for fully extinguishing a fire.

Thank you to Chief Hite, Chief Johnson, and the Salem Water Department for your ongoing support and partnership!
🔴🟡🔵🟢

08/17/2026

🚨 WE’RE HIRING! 🚨

Salem Fire-EMS is looking for a dedicated and experienced professional to join our team as an Emergency Management Coordinator / Fire Administration Captain.

This position plays an important role in supporting our department and community through emergency preparedness, planning, coordination, and Fire-EMS administration.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and make a difference in the City of Salem, we encourage you to apply!

https://secure10.saashr.com/ta/6104242.careers?CareersSearch=&lang=en-US

08/14/2026

Today, we had a great time at our Second Annual Retiree Cookout! It was wonderful bringing together our retired and current Salem Fire-EMS personnel for the opportunity to reconnect with those who helped build the foundation of our department while bringing them together with the men and women who continue that tradition today.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make our second annual cookout another memorable one. We’re already looking forward to next year!

08/07/2026

Applications are now open.

Apply today!! 🚒

https://secure10.saashr.com/ta/6104242.careers?CareersSearch=&lang=en-US

08/02/2026

On Friday, July 31, Salem Fire & EMS proudly honored three outstanding members as they celebrated their retirement and remarkable careers of service.

🚒 EMS Battalion Chief Teddy D. Crowe
28 years of dedicated service

🚒 Senior Firefighter Michael B. Mabe
25 years of dedicated service

🚒 Senior Firefighter John G. Wills
24 years of dedicated service

Together, these three men have devoted 77 years to serving and protecting the citizens of Salem. Their commitment, professionalism, and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impact on our department and the community we are privileged to serve.

Thank you for your years of sacrifice, leadership, and service. Your legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in your footsteps.

Please join us in congratulating Teddy, Mike, and John on their well earned retirement and wishing them many years of happiness, good health, and new adventures.

Congratulations, and thank you for your service! ❤️🚒

07/30/2026

🚒 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 Gabriel Honaker.

Honaker recently graduated from Paramedic school and is currently completing his check-off process with Salem Fire & EMS. He is also a member of our Hazardous Materials Team and is excited to continue serving the community in his expanded role as a paramedic.

When asked what he enjoys most about the job, Honaker shared that it’s the opportunity to help others. He believes the strongest crews are built by spending time together, whether that’s training, working out, or supporting one another on and off the job.

When he’s off duty, you’ll most likely find Honaker out on the golf course!

Thank you, Honaker, for your dedication to serving our department, your commitment to continuing your education, and the care you provide to our community. Congratulations on earning your Paramedic certification, we’re proud to have you on the department!

07/17/2026

Thanks for taking note of the poor Air Quality this Friday, and for limiting your outdoor activities if you have any respiratory issues. Take care!

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN PARTS OF VIRGINIA
If you are seeing smoke in Salem and even smelling it, know that most likely it is coming from Canada. As of this morning, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued air quality alerts across parts of Virginia as smoke from a number of Canadian wildfires moves into the Commonwealth.

Northern Virginia is affected the most, with many areas in the Purple or Red ranges due to elevated levels of "fine particle" pollution. People with heart or lung disease, older adults and children should stay indoors and keep activity levels low when the smoke is thick in your area. Coupled with the heat, the poor air quality can be a health risk.

07/01/2026

Teamwork makes the dream work and keeps the Salem Fair safe! 🎡🚒

We want to extend a huge thank you to the personnel from the Salem Fire-EMS Department, Roanoke FireEMS Department, Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department and Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS for their vital assistance with this year’s event and food vendor inspections. 🤝🔥

Making the Salem Fair a safe environment requires a massive technical review. These inspectors meticulously check every food vendor to ensure strict adherence to fire and life safety codes, rigorously evaluating propane systems, electrical setups, and commercial kitchen suppression equipment before today’s opening.

07/01/2026

🚒 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/EMT Michael Custer.

Custer has been with the department for just shy of three years and has already demonstrated an impressive commitment to professional growth. In the past six months, he has successfully completed Driver/Pump Operator (DPO) and Officer I. He is also one of seven Salem Fire & EMS members currently enrolled in the Paramedic program through Radford University Carilion, with plans to graduate in May 2027.

When he's not on shift, Custer spends many of his days off helping shape the next generation of firefighters by teaching at the academy. Outside of work, you'll most likely find him on the river or out on the golf course.

Thank you, Custer, for your dedication to serving our department, mentoring future firefighters, and continuing to invest in your own professional development. We appreciate everything you do!

06/30/2026

A few more photos from the Academy 41 Graduation! 🚒🚑

Congratulations to all of our newest recruits! We are excited to welcome you to the fire service and look forward to all you will accomplish in your careers.

Congratulations to Acting Captain S. Candler on being recognized with the Outstanding Fire Instructor Award. This well-deserved honor reflects his dedication, professionalism, and commitment to training the next generation of firefighters.

We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Chaplain Hughes for his continued support, encouragement, and the meaningful role he played in the graduation ceremony. Your dedication to our members and their families is truly appreciated.

Congratulations and best wishes for a safe and successful career!