Annapolis Professional Firefighters Local 1926

09/05/2026

Technical Rescue Training

Over the past month, Annapolis firefighters have been putting in the work to sharpen and maintain our Technical Rope Rescue and Confined Space Rescue capabilities through a series of hands-on training evolutions.

Earlier this month, crews also had the opportunity to train alongside our partners at the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, working together to build skills, improve coordination, and strengthen our regional technical rescue capabilities.

At the Surface Acquisition Logistics Center (SALC), collocated with the Surface Forces Logistics Center (SFLC) in Baltimore, Maryland, crews worked through realistic maritime and industrial confined-space scenarios. Training included low-angle and high-angle rope rescue, confined-space entry and rescue, rope-system construction, patient packaging, raising and lowering operations, hauling systems, and rescues from tight and difficult-to-access spaces.

Training aboard vessels presented unique challenges, including vertical access, limited working areas, complex rigging, communication, patient movement, and crew coordination. These evolutions challenged members to solve problems in an environment where access is limited and even simple tasks can become complex.

Technical rescue incidents are low-frequency, high-risk events. Success doesn’t happen when the call comes in—it is built through repetition, disciplined fundamentals, equipment familiarity, and crews that can communicate and work together when conditions are challenging.

We are proud of the continued commitment of our firefighters to maintaining these specialized skills and capabilities. A huge thank you to the Surface Acquisition Logistics Center/SFLC and our partners at the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, along with everyone who helped provide the training, instruction, equipment, and support throughout the month.

Train hard. Train together. Be ready for the call.

09/02/2026

Congratulations to Battalion Chief Stephen Truesdell on an incredible career and a very well-deserved retirement!

From Firefighter/Paramedic and FTO to Lieutenant, Captain, and ultimately Battalion Chief of Special Operations, Chief Truesdell dedicated his career to serving others and making those around him better. His leadership spanned HazMat, Technical Rescue, Marine and Dive operations, Health & Safety, Peer Support, and regional maritime response initiatives.

Throughout his career, he was recognized for his actions during some of our community’s most significant incidents, including the Capital Gazette shooting, as well as countless moments that will never come with an award or citation.

More importantly, Chief Truesdell was an incredible leader, mentor, instructor, and friend to so many.

Congratulations, Chief, and thank you for everything you gave to the department, the community, and all of us fortunate enough to work alongside you. Enjoy retirement—you’ve earned it!

08/19/2026

Your Annapolis Professional Firefighters Local 1926 are currently working alongside our brothers and sisters of the Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Fighters on a house explosion in the Cape St. Claire area.

This remains an active and extremely serious incident, with crews continuing rescue operations and working to secure the scene.

Please avoid the area, give emergency crews plenty of room to operate, and follow directions from public safety personnel.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.

08/19/2026

The moment you've been waiting for is here! Our Emergency Responder Paramedic application is OPEN!

Apply NOW!!!

Paramedic Students are encouraged to apply!

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/annapolismd/

Tag a friend and/or family member, and share this post!

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08/15/2026

From our President:

This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with accountability. What truly undermines public trust is a State’s Attorney attacking first responders for defending one of our own while refusing to acknowledge her own documented failures.

If citizens could charge elected officials with misconduct in office for wasting taxpayer money, disregarding evidence and pursuing baseless appeals, the States Attorney might want to be far more careful throwing that accusation at our members. Maybe spend more time explaining why actual criminal prosecutions have collapsed under her leadership while she wasted public resources pursuing frivolous charges against one of ours.

The Alderman’s censure is not punishment for asking questions. It is accountability for spending years asking the same questions while ignoring every answer.

Alderman Savidge has received staffing studies, response data, budget presentations, operational reports and testimony from firefighters, department leadership and residents. Yet no amount of information ever seems sufficient because “asking questions” has become his excuse for avoiding action.

Representing taxpayers also means protecting them when they call 911—not simply protecting the bottom line. Refusing to invest in adequate staffing and emergency services does not make him a watchdog. It makes him an obstacle.

Keep asking questions—but stop pretending the answers have not already been provided.

“If you’re a threat to our organization or our members, we’re going to address it,” a firefighter said after the vote by his international union. The two censured officials defended their choices.

08/13/2026

Today at the IAFF Convention, delegates representing firefighters from across the United States and Canada voted unanimously to adopt two resolutions submitted by Annapolis Professional Firefighters Local 1926 formally censuring Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne C**t Leitess and Annapolis Alderman Rob Savidge.

A censure is organized labor putting its collective voice on the record. It is a formal condemnation of actions or conduct that are contrary to the interests of our members and the labor movement.

These resolutions began with concerns raised by our Local, but today’s vote made something very clear: Local 1926 does not stand alone.

When one Local and its members are treated unfairly, the strength of the entire IAFF stands behind them.

We sincerely appreciate the unanimous support of our IAFF brothers and sisters and the powerful message sent by the convention today.

08/09/2026

While grabbing a cup of coffee this morning at Rise Up Coffee Roasters two of our members met the cutest puppy! Meet Skrap who is currently up for adoption through K-9 Lifesavers. He is the cutest little fluff ball. Help us find him a good home!

Babe Skrap - undefined https://petlover.petstablished.com/pets/share/2805409

08/01/2026

Today, we recognize and celebrate the retirement of Firefighter First Class Rebecca Higgins after nearly 21 years of dedicated service to our department.

Throughout her career, Rebecca helped pave the way as one of the City's first divers, and was on the first call in Annapolis to administer Whole Blood, making a lasting impact on both the department and the community we serve.

When asked about her favorite memory, Rebecca shared that while there were too many to choose from, what meant the most were the people she worked alongside—those who grew with her over the years and became like family.

As Rebecca begins this exciting new chapter, she will continue serving others as a Physical Therapist Assistant at UMMS Shore Health in Easton.

Thank you, Rebecca, for your unwavering commitment, compassion, and service over the past two decades. We wish you all the best in your retirement and continued success in your new career!

Congratulations, and enjoy this well-earned retirement