Fairfield Fire Fighters Association IAFF 1426

10/28/2026

We fell for it again. No repairs, terrible living conditions. We bet next year we get some empty promises again.

10/09/2026

09/15/2026

As Fairfield continues to recover from Sunday’s devastating flooding, many residents are now facing another challenge: figuring out what to do next.

We’ve seen and heard through social media, news reports, and residents themselves that they are dealing with standing water, destroyed appliances, furniture, and belongings, large amounts of flood-damaged debris, and homes that need immediate mitigation.

Most importantly, we also have families who are suddenly without a place to live.

They need clear information about whether there will be additional garbage and debris disposal, Transfer Station access, standing water removal, cleanup and mitigation resources, what to do with hazardous waste, and where to turn for housing and/or transportation assistance.

We strongly encourage the Town of Fairfield, CT to provide residents with comprehensive, centralized guidance about the practical help available to them.

Our community is actively cleaning up. Reporting damage to DEMHS is important, but it doesn’t assist them with what they need right now. They shouldn’t have to navigate the recovery process alone or search in multiple places to figure out what to do next.

Recovery is part of emergency management, too. Our residents deserve clear information not only before and during an emergency, but in the days that follow.

(Photo credit: JJ Magdon)

09/14/2026

Our thoughts are with the Fairfield residents and businesses impacted by today’s devastating flooding. Many of our neighbors faced frightening conditions as water rose rapidly, roads became impassable, vehicles were stranded, and homes and neighborhoods flooded. Our members and fellow first responders worked throughout the storm responding to emergencies in incredibly challenging conditions.

We're unclear why Fairfield’s emergency notification system wasn't used as conditions worsened. This was a predicted storm, with National Weather Service flood alerts issued before and during the event. Fairfield describes its own Fairfield ALERT system as a way to quickly provide residents with critical information during emergencies, including severe weather and unexpected road closures. Today appeared to be exactly the type of emergency this system exists for.

An alert cannot stop a storm, but timely information can give residents time to move vehicles or get to higher ground, keep someone from driving on vulnerable roads, and help people make safer decisions. Keeping residents informed and out of dangerous situations also reduces strain on the Town’s emergency response system when resources are already being stretched by a significant weather event.

As our community begins to recover, please be assured that we will ask why this critical public safety tool was not used today and work with the Town to ensure it is used effectively during the next emergency.

(Photo by Vlasta Nouble.)

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day to my brothers and sisters of Local 1426.

Today, more than anything, I want to say thank you.

The trust you place in me to represent you, stand up for you, and fight for you and your families means more to me than I can adequately express. I never take that trust for granted.

Serving as your President is an honor, but earning and keeping your trust is what matters most to me.

I’m proud to stand with you, and even more grateful that you’ve chosen to stand with me.

Enjoy the day with your families. You’ve earned it.

Happy Labor Day, Local 1426.

Bill

09/02/2026

Actions or the failure to act have consequences.

FIRE CHIEFS FOUND LIABLE IN LODD LAWSUIT

A Whiteside County, IL judge has upheld a jury’s finding that the City of Rock Falls, IL and two former fire chiefs were liable in the 2021 line of duty death of Sterling, IL Fire Lt. Garrett Ramos. Ramos fell through the floor into an undetected basement while operating at a mutual aid house fire and transmitted two maydays, but command initially believed another firefighter was missing and did not continue pursuing the maydays after that firefighter was accounted for.

Ramos was then discovered missing roughly 30 minutes later and investigators concluded he survived about 17 minutes after the fall before running out of air. The jury found failures involving identifying the basement, appointing a safety officer, withdrawing interior crews, responding to the mayday, personnel accountability, and Mayday and accountability training. The judge rejected the defendants’ attempts to overturn the verdict, finding sufficient evidence for the jury’s determination that their conduct met Illinois’ standard for “willful and wanton” conduct. Ramos’ widow now has 30 days to accept the $28.5 million judgement amount, after which the city has indicated it plans to appeal.

08/08/2026

You don't say?

Fighting fires in the heat is part of the job. Recovering in it between calls shouldn't be.

08/07/2026

Some subject matter experts joined Marine 217 for boat training today 🐬🚤

Fairfield Fire Department
DoingItLocal.com
News 12 Connecticut
International Association of Fire Fighters
Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut
Save the Sound
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk