
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2024
Contact: Jerry Torres for U.S. Congress
Email: Rudy@TorresUSCongress.com
Arlington, VA — Congressional candidate Jerry Torres expressed deep concern on Sunday over what he described as "a failure of leadership and representation" by Congressman Don Beyer. Arlington County Fire Department’s Engine 102, one of the busiest units in Arlington County with more than 3,400 calls last year, was forced out of service on Oct. 20 due to critical staffing shortages — a crisis that Torres said was compounded by systemic issues that Beyer has ignored.
The Arlington Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2800, confirmed that Engine 102, stationed on Wilson Boulevard, was rendered inoperable for 12 hours on Oct. 20 due to “unprecedented vacancies and attrition” within the department. The closure jeopardized the emergency response capabilities of Arlington County and the safety of residents in the Ballston area. From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., the fire engine remained out of service, leaving firefighters and residents without the essential protection they rely on.
Torres — who served two fire departments as a volunteer firefighter — called out the abhorrent working conditions that local firefighters were facing.
“Arlington County firefighters are stretched dangerously thin, forced to work up to 72 hours straight under grueling conditions, while struggling with wages that are not competitive with other regional fire departments,” Torres said.

“Congressman Beyer has had ample time to address these issues at the federal level, but his inaction speaks volumes. Arlington residents deserve a representative who will support their first responders and public safety.”
The Arlington County Fire Department is currently facing 35 vacancies, representing 10% of the department’s workforce. According to IAFF Local 2800, recruitment and retention efforts have been hampered by the high cost of living in Northern Virginia and low, uncompetitive wages. The situation has reached a tipping point as firefighters are increasingly forced to work overtime to cover essential services, leading to burnout and exacerbating staff shortages.
Fairfax County, meanwhile, is proposing an additional 10% cut in the firefighting budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and is planning to pull as many as as four ambulances from service impacting Great Falls, Crosspointe, Clifton and the Lorton 420 firehouse.
If elected to Congress, Torres has pledged to be a voice for local firefighters, focusing on federal support to enhance wages, benefits, and quality of life for those on the front lines of public safety.
"Beyer’s absence on these issues has put our firefighters and community at risk,” Torres said. “Our firefighters are the backbone of our safety. We need proactive, accountable leadership in Congress that will deliver results, not empty promises.”
About Jerry Torres: Jerry Torres is a military veteran, philanthropist, and successful business leader dedicated to uniting and uplifting the communities of Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax. His campaign focuses on bringing inclusive, effective solutions to the pressing issues facing Virginia's 8th District, leveraging his experience and dedication to help all Virginians thrive.
###
Comentários