Akron Fire Fighters Local 330

08/09/2026

Congratulations to this member celebrating 17 years on the job today! Thank you for your service and your dedication to the citizens and visitors to Akron. Enjoy your day!

08/08/2026

Quick Action. Positive Outcome.

Yesterday, B Shift crews responded to a working house fire in Akron.

Thanks to the quick, coordinated efforts of the first-arriving companies, firefighters rapidly located and extinguished the fire, limiting further damage to the home.

While conducting fire attack and searches, crews also located a beloved family cat inside the residence. The feline was safely rescued and reunited with its grateful owner.

We’re happy to report there were no injuries to the occupants or responding firefighters. The displaced residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross as they begin the recovery process.

Incidents like these are a reminder that every call is about more than fighting fire—it’s about protecting lives, caring for our community, and helping families through some of their most difficult moments.

08/07/2026

Why We Train

Yesterday, Akron firefighters had the opportunity to conduct search and rescue training inside the former Firestone Park Elementary School.

We've seen a few questions about yesterday's training, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide some additional context.

First and foremost, we recognize that Firestone Park Elementary is an important part of Akron's history. We were given clear instructions that no damage was to occur to the building, and those instructions were followed.

Some of the photos show firefighters carrying hand tools. Those tools are part of our everyday equipment and are carried during searches to build familiarity, repetition, and muscle memory. They were not used to damage the building.

The training itself consisted of search operations, victim removal using rescue dummies, and non-toxic theatrical smoke to simulate low-visibility conditions. There was no live fire training, no forcible entry, and no destructive training.

As unsafe and dilapidated structures continue to be removed through the City's neighborhood improvement efforts, opportunities to conduct realistic training within Akron have become increasingly limited. We are grateful for opportunities like this that allow us to prepare for real emergencies while respecting the history of our community.

Our responsibility is to be ready when someone calls 911. That preparation requires realistic training, and we are committed to doing it safely, professionally, and respectfully.

If you have questions about this training or would like to learn more about how it was conducted, we welcome the conversation. Please reach out to Akron Fire Fighters Local 330 through our page. We're always happy to explain how we train and why that training matters.

Training Like Lives Depend On It... Because They Do.

Respectfully,

Kevin Gostkowski
President
Akron Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 330

08/06/2026

Training Like Lives Depend On It… Because They Do.

Today, firefighters from Engine 3, Medic 3, Engine 8, Ladder 8, Medic 8, and Battalion 2 (A Shift) spent the day sharpening the skills that matter most when seconds count.

Crews worked through realistic scenarios including:
🚒 Primary search and rescue
🧍 Victim removal
🪜 Ground ladder placement and operations
🔥 Fireground coordination and teamwork

Every evolution was designed to challenge our members, reinforce the fundamentals, and build the confidence needed to perform under pressure. The more realistic the training, the more prepared we are when someone calls 911 on what may be the worst day of their life.

Training days like this don’t happen because there is a fire—they happen so we’re ready when there is one.

A special thank you to everyone who helped plan, instruct, and participate. Your commitment to continuous improvement makes our department stronger and our community safer.

Train hard. Stay ready. Serve with pride

08/03/2026

The IAFF has announced that it has been awarded a **$756,700 federal grant** to expand assistance for families navigating the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program. This is more than just funding—it's another step toward ensuring that no family has to face the aftermath of a line-of-duty death alone.

For the members of **Akron Fire Fighters Local 330**, this matters.

Every time one of our firefighters answers a call, they accept risks that most people will never fully understand. While we all hope that every member returns home safely after every shift, our Union also has a responsibility to stand beside the families of those who make the ultimate sacrifice.

This grant will help surviving families navigate the often-complex PSOB claims process, while recent changes to federal law have expanded eligibility to include more firefighters who die from occupational cancer—the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.

No benefit can ever replace a husband, wife, parent, son, daughter, sister, or brother. But ensuring that families receive the support they have earned—without unnecessary delays—is a promise worth fighting for.

We thank the IAFF, the IAFF Foundation, OAPFF and everyone who continues to advocate for firefighters and their families. Their work honors those who have given everything in service to their communities.

**Never Forgotten. Always Honored.**

The Trump administration has awarded the IAFF Foundation $756,000 to help families of fallen fire fighters and emergency medical workers file Public Safety

07/31/2026

It was a great day for some hands-on training at Station 8A.

Today’s focus was vertical ventilation—a critical fireground operation that helps make conditions safer for both firefighters and anyone still inside the structure. By creating an opening at the highest point of a building, crews can release superheated gases and smoke, improve visibility, and help reduce temperatures as the hose line advances to the seat of the fire.

These skills are perishable, which is why we train whenever the opportunity presents itself. The better we train today, the better prepared we are when you need us.

Take a look through the photos—you might recognize a few familiar faces… including one of Local 330’s newest celebrities!

07/30/2026

Akron Fire Department crews are currently battling a large outdoor fire at Holub Recycle.

Due to heavy smoke conditions, residents and visitors within the highlighted area are asked to shelter in place until further notice. If you are not in the immediate area, please avoid the scene and allow emergency personnel the space they need to work safely and efficiently.

For the latest information, including updates to the shelter-in-place advisory, please monitor the City of Akron and Akron Fire Department social media pages.

07/27/2026

ONE DECISION CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

Not long ago, Hunter was preparing for the same entrance exam you're considering today.

Today, she's an Akron firefighter, representing our department on the national stage and setting a National Firefighter Challenge record.

Her journey didn't start with a championship.

It started with one application.

If you're looking for more than just a job...
If you want a career that challenges you, pushes you, and gives you the opportunity to serve your community alongside some of the finest firefighters in Ohio...

Now is your chance.

The Akron Fire Department is accepting applications for our upcoming entrance examination.

The next success story could be yours.

Apply today:
https://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=3447&jobid=2&agentid=1726

Answer the Call. Become an Akron Firefighter.

07/25/2026

It Takes a Team

As the incredible SERVPRO Firefighter Combat Challenge comes to a close, we want to recognize the people who made this event possible.

First and foremost, a special thank you to District Chief Dennis Shumaker, who served as the driving force behind this year’s event. Dennis spent countless hours planning, coordinating, solving problems, and ensuring every detail came together. His dedication helped make Akron a tremendous host for competitors and spectators for this event.

Of course, no event of this size happens because of one person.

From setting up and tearing down equipment, staffing registration, keeping competitors hydrated, moving obstacles, coordinating logistics, and handling countless behind-the-scenes tasks, our volunteers stepped up every single day.

To every member of Akron Fire, Local 330, our retirees, family members, and friends who gave their time and energy—thank you. Your commitment showcased what makes the Akron Fire family so special.

Hosting a regional championship is no small task, and because of all of you, athletes left Akron knowing they competed at a first-class event.

We are incredibly proud of what was accomplished this week and grateful to everyone who played a part.

Thank you for representing Akron, the Akron Fire Department, and IAFF Local 330 with professionalism, pride, and teamwork. We couldn’t have done it without you.

07/25/2026

HUNTER ROARS!

Congratulations to Hunter Brancifort of the Akron Fire Department on earning a place in the prestigious LION’S DEN at the SERVPRO® Firefighter Challenge League!

Hunter completed the course in an outstanding 2:54.71, becoming the newest member of this elite group reserved for Under 40 Female competitors who conquer the course in under three minutes. That accomplishment places her among the very best in the sport.

After already setting a new National Record earlier this week, Hunter continues to raise the bar and represent Akron Fire with incredible determination, professionalism, and athleticism.

We’re proud of everything she has accomplished—and we’re just as proud of the entire Akron Fire Dudes team, whose hard work and dedication have been on full display throughout this competition.

Please join us in congratulating Hunter on another remarkable achievement!

Congratulations, Hunter! Akron Fire Local 330 couldn’t be prouder. 🚒💪🦁🏆 🦁