IAFF LOCAL 539
Our History
Remembering Portsmouth. Honoring those who serve.
Portsmouth’s history includes a growing waterfront community, the loss of familiar landmarks to fire, and the work of the people who protect the city. This timeline brings together selected documented events from that shared history.
SEPTEMBER 17, 1937
Our Charter. Our Beginning.
On September 17, 1937, the International Association of Fire Fighters chartered the Portsmouth Fire Fighters Association, No. 539, Virginia. The surviving Certificate of Affiliation, marked “Duplicate,” records the date and the names of the petitioners who established our local.
The certificate names eight petitioners:
- E. M. Richardson
- W. E. Kelley
- T. F. Culpepper
- Robert P. Schell
- H. C. Joyner
- Robert E. Hoffler
- W. T. DeHart
- Howard S. Hart
The charter recognized their union and its successors as an affiliated local of the International Association of Fire Fighters. It established a foundation for firefighters to conduct their union’s business, support one another, and carry their shared interests forward.
Today, Local 539 honors that beginning through the service of our active and retired members and our continuing commitment to the Portsmouth community.
Portsmouth Through the Years
1752
Portsmouth begins
The Virginia General Assembly established the Town of Portsmouth on February 27, 1752. Colonel William Crawford named it for Portsmouth, England.
1858
An independent city
On March 1, 1858, Portsmouth separated from county government and became an independent city. This milestone provides context for the city that our members serve today.
1864
Fire at Monumental’s predecessor
The earlier church building on the site of Monumental United Methodist Church burned in 1864. The present church was later constructed on its foundations, making fire and rebuilding part of this Olde Towne landmark’s history.
1937
Local 539 is chartered
On September 17, the International Association of Fire Fighters granted a charter to the Portsmouth Fire Fighters Association, No. 539, Virginia. Eight petitioners are named on the Certificate of Affiliation.
1957
Hotel Monroe fire
On August 9, 1957, fire destroyed Hotel Monroe. Originally built in 1856 as Ocean House, the building had been part of Portsmouth’s history for more than a century.
2018
Monumental church damaged again
On January 3, 2018, Monumental United Methodist Church was heavily damaged by fire. The incident added another chapter to the history of fire at this Portsmouth landmark.
Local 539: Preserving Our Story
The Portsmouth Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics Association, IAFF Local 539, represents active and retired members of the Portsmouth Fire Department. Our members’ experiences, service, and commitment to one another are an important part of the city’s story.
We honor that service by preserving the stories of our members and retirees, supporting those serving today, and maintaining our commitment to the Portsmouth community.
Continuing the Work Today
Portsmouth Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services provides fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue operations, and public safety education. Its current station network includes Stations 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Help Preserve Our History
Have an old station photograph, a newspaper clipping, a union document, or a story from your years of service? Contact Local 539 to help expand this record of our members and the department.