Akron Fire Fighters Local 330

The Akron Fire Fighters of Local 330 extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and neighbors affected by this morning's tragic fire in the Kenmore neighborhood.

No words can ease the pain of such a heartbreaking loss. As a community, we mourn alongside those who are grieving and keep them in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

May the life lost be remembered, and may those left behind find comfort, strength, and support in the days ahead.

We stand with the family, friends, and neighbors affected by this tragedy and offer our heartfelt condolences during this time of profound loss.

Today, we pause to remember the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve of the Allied forces who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

On D-Day, thousands of brave men faced impossible odds in defense of freedom. Their actions changed the course of history and secured liberties that generations have since enjoyed.

As firefighters, we understand the meaning of service, sacrifice, and answering the call when others need help most. Today, we honor those who exemplified those values on one of history's most pivotal days.

To the Greatest Generation and all who served during World War II, we offer our deepest gratitude and respect.

We will never forget.

🎈 Akron's First Blimp Day is Tomorrow! 🎈

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, we invite all Akron residents and visitors to take a moment to look up and enjoy one of the most iconic symbols of our city—the Goodyear Blimp.

For generations, the Goodyear Blimp has represented innovation, pride, and Akron's rich history. As it soars above our community, it serves as a reminder of the people, industries, and traditions that helped shape the Rubber City into what it is today.

Whether you're spending the day downtown, enjoying time with family, or simply passing through, be sure to keep an eye on the skies and catch a glimpse of the Pride of Akron.

📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
📍 Akron, Ohio
🎈 Look Up. Celebrate Akron. Enjoy the View.

Congratulations to these members celebrating 31 years on the job today! Thank you for your service and your dedication to the citizens and visitors to Akron. Enjoy your day!

This week, every on-duty Akron Fire Department company will participate in citywide Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) and Mayday training.

When a firefighter becomes lost, trapped, injured, or otherwise unable to escape an emergency scene, a Mayday is declared and a Rapid Intervention Team is deployed to locate and rescue that firefighter. These are some of the most challenging and high-risk situations firefighters can face.

Training for these events is critical. During today's exercises, crews worked together to locate, package, and remove a downed firefighter while operating under realistic emergency conditions. These skills require coordination, communication, and repetition to ensure that when the call comes, our firefighters are prepared to respond immediately.

The citizens of Akron expect us to be ready for any emergency. That readiness comes from training like this.

Train hard. Stay ready. Go home safe.

Today, members from Stations 2, 5, and 8, along with the Shift Commander and Battalion 2 on A Shift, participated in Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) and Mayday training at the Fire Training Academy’s search and rescue trailer.

These evolutions challenged firefighters to locate, package, and remove downed firefighters while operating in confined spaces and low-visibility conditions. Crews practiced firefighter survival skills, victim removal techniques, emergency communications, and coordinated rescue operations under stressful and realistic conditions.

When a firefighter becomes lost, trapped, injured, or runs low on air, every second matters. Training like this ensures our members are prepared to respond quickly and effectively when one of our own needs help. The IAFF’s Fire Ground Survival and Fire Fighter Rescue programs emphasize consistent Mayday prevention and rescue training because firefighters often rely on their crew and nearby companies to bring them home safely.

A strong fire department is built on preparation, repetition, and teamwork. Today’s training reinforced all three.

Train hard. Stay ready. Go home.

June is PTSD Awareness Month.

Firefighters and paramedics experience traumatic events that most people will never fully understand. The cumulative stress of the job can have lasting effects on mental health, and it is important that every member knows there is support available.

We want to remind our members, retirees, and families:

You are not alone.
It is okay to ask for help.

The fire service has made tremendous progress in breaking the stigma surrounding behavioral health and PTSD. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF) continue to provide critical resources, peer support initiatives, education, and access to treatment programs specifically designed for fire fighters and emergency responders.

Here in Akron, Local 330 is proud to have built a Peer Support Team with more than 60 trained Peer Support members who stand ready to listen, support, and help connect members with additional resources when needed.

Taking care of your mental health is not weakness — it is part of protecting yourself, your family, your crew, and your future.

If you are struggling, reach out. Talk to someone. Engage with a Peer Support member. Help is available.

🚒 8A Extrication Training – Staying Ready When Seconds Matter 🚒

Today, the members of 8A spent time sharpening their vehicle extrication skills through hands-on training involving multiple crash scenarios and rescue techniques. Training like this ensures our firefighters and paramedics remain prepared to safely and efficiently remove trapped victims when real emergencies occur in our community.

These evolutions require teamwork, communication, and mastery of specialized equipment. The dedication shown by the men and women of Station 8 reflects the professionalism and commitment they bring to every call for service.

A special thank you to Pull-A-Part for allowing us to utilize their facility and vehicles for this valuable training opportunity. Partnerships like these help provide realistic training environments that directly benefit the citizens we serve.

🎓 Congratulations to the Akron Class of 2026! 🎓

Today we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the graduates across our community. Whether you're heading to college, the military, a trade, the workforce, or pursuing another path, this milestone represents years of commitment and perseverance.

The members of Akron Fire Fighters Local 330 are proud of each and every one of you. You are the future leaders, innovators, public servants, and neighbors who will help shape Akron for years to come.

As summer begins, we wish all graduates, students, families, and residents a safe, happy, and memorable season. Enjoy the opportunities ahead, make the most of every moment, and never stop pursuing your goals.

From all of us at Akron Fire Fighters Local 330: Have a safe and happy summer, and best wishes to the Class of 2026 as you begin your next chapter!