Stafford Professional Fire Fighters Local 4012

Stafford Professional Fire Fighters Local 4012 We are 170 plus Firefighters, EMTs and Paramedics that serve the citizens of and visitors to Stafford.

We need your help! Stafford County firefighters continue to advocate for a transition from a 56-hour work week to a 42-h...
06/06/2026

We need your help! Stafford County firefighters continue to advocate for a transition from a 56-hour work week to a 42-hour work week utilizing a 24/72 schedule.

The average American works 40 hours per week. Stafford firefighters work 56 hours per week—more than 800 additional hours each year.

Research consistently shows that fatigue, chronic sleep deprivation, and excessive work hours increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, PTSD, burnout, workplace injuries, and impaired decision-making. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of firefighter line-of-duty deaths nationwide.

A 42-hour work week isn’t about working less—it’s about improving firefighter health, reducing fatigue, strengthening recruitment and retention, and ensuring firefighters are physically and mentally prepared to answer every call for service.

Less than 24 hours after responding to one of the most traumatic incidents in our department’s history, firefighters were expected to return to work and continue operating as normal. That should concern everyone.

Departments across Virginia and the nation have already made—or are actively making—the transition to 42-hour schedules. The evidence is clear, and the benefits are proven.

When firefighters are rested, communities are safer.

We respectfully ask the Stafford County Board of Supervisors to engage in this conversation and support a modern work schedule that prioritizes firefighter health, operational readiness, and public safety.

Contact your Board of Supervisors representative and make your voice heard.

Tinesha Allen Stafford County Supervisor for the Griffis-Widewater District
Kecia Evans for Supervisor
Darrell English, Hartwood Supervisor
Deuntay Diggs - Stafford County Supervisor George Washington District
Supervisor Crystal Vanuch- Rock Hill
Pamela Yeung for Garrisonville
Maya Guy for Aquia

On June 3, 2026, Stafford County Fire and Rescue responded to a reported townhouse fire in the 100 block of Tradewinds T...
06/04/2026

On June 3, 2026, Stafford County Fire and Rescue responded to a reported townhouse fire in the 100 block of Tradewinds Terrace in the 10-08 box area.

First-arriving units encountered heavy fire involving a townhouse with extension into an adjacent residence. Due to the volume of fire and the potential for further extension, incident commanders requested a second alarm, bringing additional Stafford County and mutual aid resources to the scene.

Firefighters from 2nd Battalion companies initiated an aggressive fire attack while simultaneously conducting primary searches and protecting neighboring homes. Crews worked in challenging conditions to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread throughout the townhouse row.

Two townhomes sustained significant fire damage. No civilian fatalities were reported. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours conducting overhaul operations and checking for hidden fire extension.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Stafford County Fire and Rescue would like to thank our mutual aid partners for their assistance and the residents affected by the incident for their cooperation during emergency operations.

06/02/2026

Last night, FOX 5 highlighted our ongoing effort to move Stafford County Fire and Rescue to a 24/72 schedule, reducing the average work week from 56 hours to 42 hours.

This conversation is about more than a schedule. It is about firefighter health, mental wellness, recovery, family time, retention, recruitment, and ultimately providing the highest level of service to the citizens we proudly serve.

The recent MCI response serves as a reminder that our members are regularly exposed to physically and emotionally demanding incidents. While we remain committed to answering every call for help, we believe firefighters should be given adequate time to recover before returning to duty.

Departments across the country have successfully adopted the 24/72 model, recognizing that a well-rested firefighter is better equipped to serve their community.

Thank you to FOX 5 for sharing our story and helping bring attention to this important discussion.

Stafford Firefighters Respond to Career-Defining Tragedy on Interstate 95.In the early morning hours of May 29th, what b...
05/31/2026

Stafford Firefighters Respond to Career-Defining Tragedy on Interstate 95.

In the early morning hours of May 29th, what began as a routine shift became a career-defining incident for the firefighters who responded. The incident resulted in five fatalities, including pediatric victims, and 37 people injured in what became a large-scale mass casualty event.

Responding crews encountered an exceptionally complex and dangerous scene involving multiple vehicle fires, multiple commercial vehicles including a passenger bus, and several passenger vehicles requiring extensive extrication. The severity of the incident required both of Stafford County's Heavy Rescue units, multiple fire engines to suppress vehicle fires and support rescue operations, and mutual aid resources from neighboring jurisdictions.

Stafford County's suppression units are staffed with 3 firefighters, operating with less than ideal man power. The national standard is 4 personnel.

The scale of the emergency required a coordinated regional response. A medical helicopter was forced to land directly on Interstate 95 for transport of the critically injured, while firefighters, paramedics, and emergency personnel worked tirelessly under difficult and emotionally challenging conditions to save lives, treat the injured, and bring the incident under control.
For the public, this tragedy may be remembered as a headline or a traffic incident. For the first responders who answered the call, it was far more personal.

The men and women who responded that morning are expected to finish their shift, return home to their families, participate in everyday activities, and return to work less than 24 hours after this incident for their normal planned shift. A change is needed from our current 56 hour work week to a 42 hour work week. This 42 hour work week would allow our brothers and sisters time to decompress and come back to work to deliver service to the citizens of Stafford at their highest ability.

As an organization, we remain committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our members. This 42 hour switch would allow our members to change from our current shift structure to one that is more conducive to their long term health, family life, and delivery of services to Stafford County.
We ask our community to keep the victims, their families, the injured, and all responding personnel in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

The members of Local 4012 are proud to serve Stafford County and the surrounding region. We remain committed to answering every call for help, regardless of the circumstances, while continuing to advocate for the resources, staffing, and support necessary to protect both our community and the first responders who serve it. We ask our Board of Supervisors to support our members in advancing these initiatives.

Below are the totals of the units that responded to this mass casualty event:
14 Engines, 15 Transport Units, 7 Chief Officers, 2 Heavy Rescues, 1 Helicopter

Deuntay Diggs - Stafford County Supervisor George Washington District

Tinesha Allen Stafford County Supervisor for the Griffis-Widewater District

Darrell English, Hartwood Supervisor

Supervisor Crystal Vanuch- Rock Hill

Pamela Yeung for Garrisonville

Kecia Evans for Supervisor

Maya Guy for Aquia

Today we recognize and celebrate the retirement of Technician Doug Gress after more than 10 years of dedicated service w...
05/29/2026

Today we recognize and celebrate the retirement of Technician Doug Gress after more than 10 years of dedicated service with Stafford County Fire and Rescue.

Before beginning his fire service career, Doug proudly served our nation in the United States Marine Corps, carrying the values of discipline, commitment, and brotherhood into every aspect of his career in the fire department. Throughout his time with Stafford County Fire and Rescue, Doug wore many hats and excelled in each role he took on. He became a Paramedic, served as an Academy Instructor helping shape the next generation of firefighters and medics, and later served in the Fire Marshal’s Office as a Fire Investigator.

Doug earned the respect and admiration of his fellow firefighters through his relentless work ethic, professionalism, and willingness to always help others. Whether on emergency scenes, in the classroom, or mentoring younger members, Doug’s impact on this department and the people within it will not be forgotten.

On behalf of the members of Stafford County Fire and Rescue, we thank Technician Gress for his years of service, sacrifice, and dedication to this community. We wish him and his family nothing but health, happiness, and success in retirement.

Semper Fi, Doug — enjoy your well-earned retirement.

Today, we honor the retirement of Battalion Chief Charlie Freeman after 25 years of dedicated service to the citizens of...
05/29/2026

Today, we honor the retirement of Battalion Chief Charlie Freeman after 25 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department.

Throughout his career, Chief Freeman has left a lasting impact on this department and the fire service as a whole. From leading and developing the Technical Rescue Program to helping shape and oversee the Tactical EMS Program, his commitment to innovation, preparedness, and firefighter safety has strengthened our organization for generations to come.

In addition to his operational leadership, Chief Freeman dedicated countless hours as an instructor within the department as well as an instructor at the Training Academy, mentoring and developing firefighters, EMTs, and officers throughout their careers. His passion for teaching and sharing knowledge helped build the foundation of many members serving the community.

On behalf of the members of Stafford County Fire and Rescue, we thank Battalion Chief Freeman for 25 years of service, sacrifice, mentorship, and leadership.

Congratulations on your well-earned retirement, Chief. Wishing you and your family many years of happiness, health, and success in this next chapter.

Early this morning, units from the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department responded to a major mass casualty inciden...
05/29/2026

Early this morning, units from the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department responded to a major mass casualty incident involving a bus crash on Interstate 95 southbound in Stafford County. Upon arrival, crews encountered a devastating scene involving multiple vehicles, numerous injured occupants, and several vehicles on fire.

Fire and Rescue personnel from Stafford County were assisted by mutual aid partners from Fauquier County Fire Rescue System, Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, and Marine Corps Base Quantico Fire and Emergency Services. Both Stafford County Heavy Rescue companies worked extensively to extricate multiple trapped victims while engine company personnel simultaneously operated to suppress vehicle fires and secure the incident scene.

A total of five fatalities have been confirmed as a result of the crash. Additionally, over 30 patients sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical and were transported by helicopters and numerous ambulances to area hospitals for treatment.

This was a complex and labor-intensive operation that required a coordinated response from multiple agencies across the region. Thankfully this shift’s staffing allowed for both Heavy Rescues from Station 1 & 14 to be staffed which played a vital role in this operation, these units are not regularly staffed most days due to our current staffing model. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted by this tragic incident.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by law enforcement authorities.

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. On this ...
05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. On this Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the fallen heroes who gave everything to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.

We also want to recognize and thank the members of the Stafford County Fire & Rescue and our International Association of Fire Fighters service family who have proudly served in the United States Armed Forces. Your dedication to serving both your country and your community embodies the true meaning of selfless service.

As we spend time with family and friends today, let us never forget those who gave their lives in defense of our nation and the families who continue to carry their memory forward.

From all of us at Stafford County Local 4012, we thank our veterans, honor our fallen, and remember their sacrifice.

At 0528 hours this morning, units from the 2nd Battalion were dispatched to the 200 block of Choptank Road in Box Area 1...
05/24/2026

At 0528 hours this morning, units from the 2nd Battalion were dispatched to the 200 block of Choptank Road in Box Area 14-10 for the reported house fire.

Upon arrival, crews from Engine 14 encountered a 2-story single-family residence with a basement and fire showing from the Delta side basement area. Engine 14 advanced a hoseline through the Delta side basement entrance, operating under high heat and low visibility conditions to locate and confine the fire. Simultaneously, crews from Tower Ladder 4 conducted primary searches of the first floor and basement to ensure all occupants were out of the home.

Firefighters were able to place the fire under control within approximately 15 minutes. All occupants successfully self-evacuated prior to the arrival of fire department personnel. During search operations, several household pets, including cats and dogs, were unfortunately found deceased.

No civilian injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Earlier today, a second alarm fire was struck in the Second Battalion, Box 10-04. Engine 1509 arrived on scene to find a...
05/23/2026

Earlier today, a second alarm fire was struck in the Second Battalion, Box 10-04. Engine 1509 arrived on scene to find a two-story townhouse with heavy fire conditions and extension into adjacent units. Crews immediately initiated an aggressive, coordinated fire attack while simultaneously completing primary searches of affected occupancies.

Due to the volume of fire and complexity of the incident, additional resources were requested to support suppression efforts, searches, and protect surrounding homes.

This incident serves as another reminder that rapid response, staffing, training, and coordinated operations make a difference when conditions are at their worst.

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Stafford, VA
22406

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