IAFF Local 1590

Today, we remember and honor all those who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on sacrifice, service, and the families forever impacted by that loss.

IAFF Local 1590 also extends our appreciation to all veterans, active military members, and especially the members of our department and union family who have served. Thank you for your dedication and commitment.

We hope everyone has a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

Since the Wilmington Fire Department assumed EMS transport operations last year, our members have continued serving the citizens of Wilmington professionally and without hesitation.

Since the EMS rollout:
• Firefighters are regularly being ordered to work 36–48 consecutive hours
• Firefighters often spend 24 or more of those hours assigned to an ambulance
• At times, frontline ambulances are handling more than 20 calls during a single 24-hour shift
• Extended work hours and sleep deprivation negatively impact health, recovery, decision-making, and operational readiness
• At times, fire units are operating below recommended staffing levels in order to keep ambulances in service

EMS and fire suppression are both critical emergency services, and both must be staffed appropriately and safely.

The decision to transition EMS transport services was made by City and Fire Administration leadership. From the beginning, Local 1590 raised concerns about staffing, fatigue, and operational readiness during the rollout, including concerns that the department began the EMS transition and four-platoon schedule without enough operational staffing.

The City previously increased department staffing during the EMS transition and recently approved 12 additional firefighter positions, which is appreciated and an important step forward. However, those positions are not expected to begin until July 1, and the staffing challenges facing the department exist today. In addition, newly hired firefighters still require orientation, training, and assignment before providing operational relief in the field. Additional staffing improvements will still be needed moving forward.

Despite these challenges, Wilmington firefighters continue answering every call for service professionally and without hesitation. We hope City leadership recognizes the urgency of these staffing issues before exhaustion and understaffing become the accepted standard.

International Association of Fire Fighters
IAFF 4th District Vice President Andrew Pantelis

Wilmington's firefighters' union says they are starting every shift understaffed as they approach one year after they began EMS. See link below ⬇️

📸 William Bretzger/Delaware News Journal

Early Sunday morning, Wilmington firefighters responded to a devastating fire at the Historic Mother African Union Church.

Mother African Union Church is not only a place of worship, but a cornerstone of Wilmington’s history and community. For generations, it has held deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance to countless families throughout our city and beyond.

Wilmington Firefighters Local 1590 extends our thoughts and support to the congregation, clergy, and everyone impacted by this fire.

We also want to recognize the tremendous response by Wilmington firefighters and EMS personnel, along with the many New Castle County fire departments that assisted on scene and covered city stations throughout the incident. The cooperation and support shown throughout the response was exceptional and greatly appreciated.

Although the building suffered significant damage, the history and legacy of Mother African Union Church will continue to remain an important part of the City of Wilmington.

The photos from our 2026 Local 1590 Golf Outing are now available!

A huge thank you again to everyone who came out to support this year’s outing and helped make it another great event.

Special thanks to L. Antonelli Photography for donating their time and capturing the day for us.

Photo Album:
https://gallery.lantonelliphotography.com/wilmingtonfirefightersassociation5thannualgolfouting/

Feel free to tag yourself, your foursome, and share your favorite photos from the outing!

Wilmington Firefighters Association 5th Annual Golf Outing Photo collection by L.Antonelli Photography

A huge THANK YOU to all of the sponsors, donors, supporters, and volunteers who helped make our 2026 Local 1590 Golf Outing a success!

Special thank you to our Title Sponsor, Catherine Rooney's, for their incredible support of this event and our mission.

Because of the generosity of our sponsors and community partners, this outing continues to grow each year and helps us support firefighters, their families, and the community we proudly serve.

Please take a moment to support the businesses and organizations that support Local 1590. We’ll be tagging all of our sponsors and donors in the comments below.

We also want to thank Leslie Antonelli-Hobbs of L. Antonelli Photography for donating their time and photography services for the event.

Thank you again to everyone who participated, sponsored, donated, volunteered, and came out to support this year’s outing!

Looking forward to the 49th Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day parade today!

Perfect day for a parade today in Wilmington, Delaware

Irish Culture Club of Delaware
City of Wilmington, Delaware

Today, members of D Platoon responded to a high-rise fire in the 500 block of N. Walnut Street. Despite challenging weather conditions with rain, sleet, and snow throughout the day, crews quickly located and extinguished a kitchen fire on the 12th floor, preventing extension to other apartments.

Strong work by all companies on the scene and a great example of the professionalism and teamwork our members bring to every call.

Mayor John Carney
Wilmington City Council

🚒 Today is Do More 24 Delaware!

For the next 24 hours you can support the Wilmington Firefighters Benevolent Fund, which helps firefighters and their families during times of hardship and supports community efforts throughout Wilmington.

Every donation—big or small—makes a difference.

If you’re able, please consider donating and sharing this post to help spread the word.

Donate here:
https://www.domore24delaware.org/events/298/donations/new?fid=8743

Thank you for supporting Wilmington’s firefighters. 🔥

Wilmington Firefighters Benevolent Fund Please support Wilmington Firefighters Benevolent Fund and its mission to provide financial assistance and support towards a variety of initiatives such as m...

Residential structure fire quickly brought under control thanks to the fast, coordinated response of Wilmington Firefighters working on "D" Platoon at the 2700 block of Baynard Boulevard. Crews made an aggressive interior attack, completed primary searches, and ensured residents were evaluated — all while keeping our firefighters safe.

Strong work by all units on scene. This is what professional staffing, training, and rapid response look like in action.

Mayor John Carney
Wilmington City Council

Reminder — our Golf Outing is coming up.

Register before March 1 to take advantage of the Early Bird rate. Pricing will increase starting March 1.

We’re also looking for sponsors. If you or your business would like to support the event, please sign up through the website.

Register or become a sponsor on our website.
Questions or need more information?
Email [email protected].

Wilmington Firefighters Association Local 1590 Annual Golf Outing We are excited to announce our 2026 Wilmington Firefighters Golf Outing! The Wilmington Firefighters Association Local 1590 is a 501(c)(5) non-profit organization that fights for the rights of firefighters in the City of Wilmington and is dedicated to the betterment of our community. Our members sup...