San Jose Fire Fighters

10/08/2026

Come out and celebrate Halloween with us. Looking forward to seeing you in District 7 & District 8!

10/08/2026

Honoring the Legacy and Sacrifice of Fire Chief Herman W. Hobson

100 years ago, on September 16, 1926, San José Fire Chief Herman W. Hobson led firefighters in a two-hour battle against a devastating fire at the Alliance Building, located at 3rd and Santa Clara Streets in downtown San José.

The fire caused approximately $75,000 in damage. During the firefight, Chief Hobson was exposed to heavy smoke and toxic particulates at a time when firefighters had no respiratory protection. Following the incident, he developed pneumonia and tragically passed away less than two weeks later from his illness.

Chief Hobson dedicated nearly 18 years of service to the San José Fire Department. Beginning his career in 1908, he rose through the ranks to Captain in 1910, Assistant Chief in 1916, and Fire Chief in 1918.

Throughout his leadership, Chief Hobson advocated for better working conditions for firefighters, including the implementation of a two-platoon system that improved staffing, morale, and the department’s ability to respond to major emergencies.

A century later, his sacrifice reminds us of the dangers firefighters have faced throughout our history and the importance of continuing to advocate for firefighter health, safety, and respiratory protection.

As we approach the 100th anniversary of his line-of-duty death, San José Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 230, honors Chief Herman W. Hobson for his leadership, service, and ultimate sacrifice.

We will never forget those who came before us and gave their lives protecting the community we proudly serve.

Rest in peace, Chief Hobson. Your legacy lives on.

10/04/2026

10/04/2026

Thank you to all our members and retirees who came to celebrate the life of our brother Steven Alvarado. Thank you to our Local 230 honor guard for representing.

09/30/2026

09/29/2026

This weekend, we honor and remember our brother, Division Chief Steve Alvarado.

On Saturday, October 3, San José Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 230, will stand alongside Steve’s family, friends, fellow firefighters, and the California fire service as his name is added to the California Firefighters Memorial.

Steve dedicated his life to serving others and to the San José Fire Department. This weekend is an opportunity to honor that service, remember the brother we lost, and, most importantly, stand with his family and remind them that they will always be part of our fire service family.

For those attending in Sacramento, we look forward to standing together as Local 230 and honoring Steve’s life and legacy.

If you are unable to attend, the California Fire Foundation will provide a livestream of the memorial ceremony.

More information and livestream details:
cafirefoundation.org/memorial

Rest easy, Brother. We will carry your memory with us, and we will never forget.

09/27/2026

Rest in peace brother McDermott
LODD:
September 26, 1898

CAUSE OF DEATH:
On-Duty Trauma and Suffocation

In memorium:
While staffing a hose line with other members of his company on the second floor of the old Vendome Hotel on North First Street, shortly before midnight, Fireman McDermott was caught in a sudden collapse of the rear wall and three upper floors. Scalded and suffocated by steam, his body was not found until the next day, under twenty feet of debris.

The general alarm fire in this showplace of the Garden City resulted in a $30,000 loss. Firefighters safely evacuated fifty guests, but the fire caused injuries to several other firefighters.

McDermott was forty at the time, having been born in New York State in 1858. His widow and three children were left almost destitute by his death.

09/23/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀

San José Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 230, is proud to once again support the fight against breast cancer and the families impacted by this disease.

Our SJFF Breast Cancer Awareness shirts are available for $25, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen Northern California.

Members can purchase department-approved shirts through the San José Fire Fighters Union Store, or stop by one of our participating local businesses listed on the flyer.

This is a great opportunity to show your support, raise awareness, and give back to an organization working to improve breast cancer research, education, screening, and support.

🎀 Shirts: $25
🎀 100% of proceeds donated
🎀 Department-approved shirts available through Local 230

Thank you to Roy’s Station Coffee & Teas, Pour Decisions Craft Coffee & B**r, and Australian Tan & Spa for partnering with us and helping support this effort.

Together, we can make a difference.