Local 21 is proud to recognize the diversity in our union and celebrates our LGBTQ members.  We encourage everyone to continue to raise awareness and take positive steps towards an inclusive culture.  Local 21, hand in hand with the leadership of the Saint Paul Fire Department, is committed to protecting, promoting and affirming the civil and human rights of its members and the community we serve.

There is no place in public service for bias, discrimination or prejudice.

Have a safe and awesome PRIDE month!

This Memorial Day, Saint Paul Firefighters IAFF Local 21 honors our military members and those in Public Service who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  

Thank you!

Local 21 regrets to announce the passing of retired Fire Captain Rudolph G. “Rudy” Thell.

Captain Rudy Thell started with the Saint Paul Fire Department on January 1, 1954 and retired in 1991.

Rudy became a Paramedic in the mid 1970s and was assigned as Fire Captain of Engine 24 on the C Shift for a large part of his career.

Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Local 21 regrets to announce the passing of retired Fire Equipment Operator John Kowalski.

FEO John “Jake” Kowalski started with the Saint Paul Fire Department on April 16, 1963 and retired in the early 1990’s.  John spent most of his career assigned to Engine Company 01 on the A Shift as FEO.  John also served as IAFF Local 21 Treasurer in the 1980’s.

Visitation is 5pm - 8pm, Tuesday, June 8th, 2021, at O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home in Saint Paul.  Funeral Service is Wednesday, June 9th, 2021 at 10am at O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home.  Interment at Fort Snelling and private family gathering to follow.

O'Halloran & Murphy: 575 Snelling Avenue S  Saint Paul, MN  55116

Saint Paul Firefighters IAFF Local 21 will be hosting a Memorial Day service at Oakland Cemetery in Saint Paul on Saturday, May 29th, 2021,  at 8:30am.

Please join us as we honor and remember our fellow firefighters who have passed away.

When:     Saturday, May 29th, 2021

Time:      8:30am

Where:    927 Jackson Street  Saint Paul, MN  55117

Who:       Members, families and friends

Please contact any L21 Executive Board member with questions.

This tournament is for the fun and fellowship of Police, Fire, Dispatch and EMS workers.  All are welcome and encouraged to participate.  You can fish as hard as you want or come to soak a bobber in the company of friends and kids.  At least one person on each team must be an active or retired emergency worker, full time or volunteer.

Derby HQ will be at the dock area of the Veteran's Rest Camp on the SW side of the lake.  If you have a larger boat, it is recommended that you use the public launch on Mayberry Trail to the north or the county park south of the Veteran's Rest Camp.

Check in is at 0800 hours.  Fishing begins at 0900 hours.  Weigh in at the dock at 1400 hours.

Lunch served at 1430 hours at the Veteran's Rest Camp pavilion.  This event is BYOB.

The cumulative effect of responding to fires, motor vehicle accidents, cardiac arrests and even the mundane routine calls, can have a strong negative psychological impact on a firefighter's own mental health. Evidence shows that rates of depression, anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD,) as well as firefighter suicide have increased significantly in the past few years.

The power of one of your own, especially a well-respected, seasoned veteran of the fire service sharing their own story of PTSD and the ‘spiraling out of control’ that often goes with it, can help someone else overcome the stigma of reaching out for help.

If you need immediate support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255, or on their website for chat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/