🚨 Denver Firefighters Facing a Major Crisis: This Will Impact All of Us Denver Fire has officially been told there is ZERO funding for academy classes in 2026 and 2027. That means the 3 planned classes (1 in Fall 2026 + 2 in 2027…roughly 72–90 new recruits) are now off the table. At the same time, nearly 150 firefighters are set to retire between 2026–2028. That’s close to 5% of the entire workforce leaving each year with almost no one coming in. This is a de facto hiring freeze that’s about to create dangerous staffing shortages. On top of that, Mayor Johnston is requiring every department to absorb their own raises from existing budgets — a first for the city. Even though the union has a signed contract for 2026 and 2027 raises, DFD now has to figure it out internally. Chief Fulton has reportedly told firefighters he believes they deserve the negotiated 5% raises, but with 97% of the department’s budget already going to salaries, that money has to be carved out somewhere. Mayor Johnston’s admin has prioritized criminals and drug addicts while letting public safety services crumble; this is not sustainable. Will the HOST program have to absorb its own raises too… or does it get special treatment? Denver deserves better. Our firefighters put their lives on the line every single day. They shouldn’t be put in this position. 🔥 Tag your city council representative if you want our city to wake up before this becomes a full-blown public safety crisis. @Denver_Fire