NEWS
Member health & wellness
IAFF Center of Excellence
The IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery is a one-of-a-kind addiction treatment facility specializing in PTSD for IAFF members – and IAFF members only – who are struggling with addiction, PTSD and other related behavioral health challenges to receive the help they need in taking the first steps toward recovery. It is a safe haven for members to talk with other members who have faced or overcome similar challenges.
Historic milestone • September 22, 2026
Portsmouth Passes Collective Bargaining Ordinance
On September 22, 2026, Portsmouth City Council unanimously passed its collective bargaining ordinance. IAFF Local 539 thanks the City Council and City Manager for helping bring this historic step forward for Portsmouth’s public employees.
Know the issues
What Is Collective Bargaining?
Collective bargaining is how employees, through their union, negotiate with their employer over pay, benefits, hours and working conditions. It gives workers a shared voice and a process for reaching a written agreement and addressing workplace concerns.
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🇺🇸 HAPPY VETERANS DAY 🇺🇸
Today, IAFF Local 539 proudly honors the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our nation have helped protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.
We extend a special thank you to our brothers and sisters in the fire service who have worn both uniforms — those who answered the call to serve their country and continue that commitment through service to their communities.
Service. Sacrifice. Brotherhood.
These values unite us, whether on the battlefield or in the firehouse.
To all veterans, past and present, and to the families who have stood beside them: Thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your dedication to something greater than yourselves.
🇺🇸 Honoring All Who Served. 🇺🇸
IAFF Local 539
Portsmouth Professional Firefighters, Paramedics & Dispatchers
#VeteransDay #IAFFLocal539 #HonorOurVeterans #PortsmouthFirefighters #ServiceAndSacrifice #NeverForget
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🚒🗳️ ELECTION DAY IS HERE! YOUR VOTE MATTERS — FOR YOUR SAFETY AND OURS!
Today, November 3rd, the citizens of Portsmouth have an opportunity to help shape the future of public safety in our city.
For months, Portsmouth Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 539 has been out in our neighborhoods, talking with residents, sharing our concerns, and advocating for a stronger, safer Portsmouth.
Our message has remained the same: Public safety must be a priority, not an afterthought.
We need leadership committed to:
🚒 Four-Person Staffing – Safer firefighters and more effective emergency operations.
🚑 Reliable EMS Coverage – Adequately staffed ambulances and qualified providers when seconds matter.
💰 Recruitment and Retention – Competitive compensation, a fully funded pay plan, and benefits that keep experienced professionals serving Portsmouth.
⏰ Better Work Schedules – Reducing fatigue, improving retention, and supporting firefighter families.
🔥 Keeping Fire Apparatus in Service – Ensuring our neighborhoods have the emergency response resources they deserve.
We cannot afford to go backwards.
That's why Portsmouth Professional Firefighters Local 539 proudly endorses:
🗳️ MOODY • TILLAGE • HUGEL
These are the candidates we believe will listen to frontline professionals, prioritize public safety, and help move Portsmouth forward.
To our members, families, friends, and the citizens we proudly serve: GET OUT AND VOTE TODAY!
Your vote isn't just about who sits on City Council. It's about the future of emergency services, the safety of our firefighters, and the protection of every Portsmouth neighborhood.
YOUR VOTE MATTERS. YOUR SAFETY MATTERS. OUR SAFETY MATTERS.
🚒 WE SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US!
Councilman Vernon L. Tillage Bill Moody Mark Hugel
🇺🇸 VOTE MOODY, TILLAGE & HUGEL — FOR A SAFER PORTSMOUTH!
#ElectionDay2026 #SaferPortsmouth #MoodyTillageHugel #PortsmouthFirefighters #IAFFLocal539 #PublicSafetyFirst #WeSupportThoseWhoSupportUs
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