Rock Island Firefighters I.A.F.F. Local 26

10/18/2026

MISSED US AT FILL THE BOOT? YOU CAN STILL HELP!

Our Rock Island Firefighters Local 26 Fill the Boot Campaign has officially wrapped up, and we want to send a HUGE thank you to everyone who stopped, donated, honked, waved, or showed their support!

💵 Drove by but didn’t have cash?
🚗 Didn’t get a chance to stop?
⏰ Missed us altogether?

NO WORRIES — THERE’S STILL TIME TO DONATE!

Every dollar makes a difference, and no donation is too small! Your generosity helps us continue making a difference for those who need it most.

You can still donate using the link below!

https://filltheboot.donordrive.com/team/21819

From all of us at Rock Island Firefighters Local 26, THANK YOU for always showing up for your firefighters and our community!

Team fundraising page for Rock Island IL Fire Fighters L0026

10/16/2026

You asked, we answered! Our Breast Cancer Awareness shirt store is officially OPEN!

If you want to match the crew and support an amazing cause, you can order your shirt today.

All proceeds from these sales will go directly to Gilda’s Club.
Order yours here:

10/15/2026

Rock Island Firefighters are raising money for MDA through the annual Fill the Boot campaign this weekend. Firefighters will be at the intersection of 18th Avenue and 30th Street Friday, Oct. 16 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

09/11/2026

Congratulations to Brothers Shewell and Stone, who were officially sworn into Rock Island Firefighters Association Local 26 tonight!

We’re proud to welcome you both into the Local and look forward to having you as part of the brotherhood.

We’d also like to congratulate Brother McDermott, who was sworn into office tonight as 2nd Vice President of Local 26.

Congratulations, Brothers!

09/08/2026

Rock Island Firefighters Association Local 26 was proud to hit the streets today for the Rock Island Labor Day Parade!

Labor Day means a little more when you’re part of organized labor. It’s a reminder of the generations of working men and women who fought for the wages, benefits, working conditions, and protections that many of us have today and of the importance of continuing to stand together.

But we’ll admit… the best part of the parade was seeing all the families and kids lining the streets.

Thank you to everyone who came out, waved, yelled hello, and supported us along the route. We’re proud to be firefighters. Proud to be union. And most importantly, proud to serve the Rock Island community.

08/20/2026

Annual Red Wakeland Memorial Picnic!!

07/06/2026

Looking for a job where you can…..

🚑 Help people on their worst day.
🚒 Drive big red trucks.
☕ Drink questionable amounts of coffee.
😂 Gain a second family that will never let you forget your mistakes.

Sounds pretty good, right?

But the truth is…

This job is about much more than that.

It’s hard work.
It’s high expectations.
It’s serving your community when they need you most.

Not everyone is cut out for this career.

But if you’re looking to be part of something bigger than yourself…
If you want a career built on service, tradition, pride, and brotherhood…

We got a spot for you!

Applications are open!!

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/rockisland/jobs/5395492/firefighter

05/31/2026

LOCAL 26 SUPPORTS CAYDEN’S CREW

The Rock Island Firefighters Association Local 26 is proud to support Cayden Mikita and his family.

Cayden was born on July 15, 2025, following a traumatic birth and was diagnosed with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen. Since then, he has also been diagnosed with spastic Cerebral Palsy and Infantile Spasms, and his journey continues with incredible strength and determination.

Despite the challenges he faces, Cayden continues to fight every day and inspire everyone around him.

Many therapies and treatments that could significantly benefit Cayden are not covered by insurance. To help offset these costs, his family has graciously allowed us to create “Cayden’s Crew” T-shirt fundraiser.

We encourage our Local 26 members, families, friends, and the entire Rock Island community to consider supporting this amazing little fighter by purchasing a shirt or sharing this fundraiser.

When one family in our first responder community needs support, we come together. That’s what being a community is all about.

Please join us in showing Cayden and his family that they are not fighting this battle alone.

Stronger Together.
Cayden’s Crew.
Local 26 Proud.

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04/22/2026

Happy Administrative Professionals Week

This week, we recognize someone who plays a critical role in keeping the Rock Island Fire Department moving every single day, Isabel Pena.

Since joining the department in 2024, Isabel has become a constant behind the scenes. While most of the public sees the crews on the rigs, we know the reality: the job doesn’t run without the people holding everything together inside the building, and Isabel is a big part of that.

She keeps things organized when they could easily become chaos, tracks down what needs to get done, and helps make sure we can focus on the work out on the street. Whether it’s helping members navigate paperwork, keeping operations moving, or just being someone you can count on, she shows up for this department day in and day out.

Around the stations, she’s known for more than just getting the job done. She treats people right. Always approachable, always willing to help, and yes… usually has a stash of chocolate nearby when you need it most.

And as you’ll see in the video, she’s not just holding it down behind the desk. Isabel recently took on the driver’s training course in the department pickup and ran it clean… not a single cone touched. That’s the kind of pride and attention to detail she brings to everything she does.

From the union membership, Isabel, we appreciate what you do. The work behind the scenes matters, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.

Thank you for being part of this department.