Hanover Professional Firefighters Local 4202

09/13/2026

Staffing Shortage continues: The city is trying to save a few bucks on the backs of our Brothers and Sisters!

09/09/2026

Change is on the horizon all across Virginia.

09/02/2026

08/26/2026

07/23/2026

Departments and localities across the nation are recognizing the benefits of reducing firefighter work schedules. We are happy to see it gaining momentum in Virginia.

Norfolk is creating 34 positions to cut firefighters' average workweek to about 42 hours

07/22/2026

Norfolk is moving forward with plans to hire a fourth shift of firefighters to reduce burnout — and a neighboring city is taking notice.

The city of Norfolk committed $1.8 million to create 34 new firefighter positions, aiming to reduce weekly working hours from 52 or more down to 42. The effort comes after concerns about the physical and mental toll of long shifts on firefighters.

"The number one cause of firefighter death is heart disease. So that comes directly from being burnt out," Norfolk firefighter union president Mark Old told News 3 earlier this month.

07/20/2026

💪

We are thrilled to announce a significant enhancement to our community services!

As of 7:00 a.m. this morning, Tower 1 is now staffed 24/7 with a dedicated independent crew. Previously, this specialized apparatus was cross-staffed as needed; this transition ensures we are ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

This dedicated staffing will remain in place until the completion of our new Fire/Rescue Station 12, at which point the Tower will transfer there to better serve the growing Massaponax area and help manage the high call volume in that district. Construction for Station 12, located in the 5300 block of Massaponax Church Road (across from Corridor Drive), is set to begin in the coming months.

Thank you for your continued support of our department!

Pictured (L to R): Lieutenant John Noack, Technician II Norman Brooks Jr., and Technician II Dennis Hulbert.