DC FEMS

Modified District Government Services for Independence Day: What's Open, Closed July 4

DC FEMS issued a notice on July 2, 2025, detailing modified District Government services for Independence Day on July 4. Emergency shelter services and crisis support remain operational while most District offices are closed. Low-barrier homeless shelters operate 24 hours; the Downtown Day Services Center is open 9 am–5 pm. Most government offices including DCPS, DCPL, DPR centers, DMV, and DOES are closed. Trash collection slides to Saturday, July 5. Construction is suspended without an after-hours permit.

Mayor Bowser, DC Fire & EMS and UDC Launch Paramedic Program 2026

Mayor Muriel Bowser, DC Fire & EMS Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr., and University of the District of Columbia President Maurice D. Edington announced a partnership to establish the District's first publicly accessible paramedic program, scheduled to launch in 2026. The program will train 50-75 paramedics annually using national curriculum standards, with instruction at UDC, clinical rotations at Howard University Hospital, and internships with DC Fire & EMS. The initiative aims to address the national paramedic shortage by developing homegrown talent in the District.

Unified Command Provides Situational Update: Recovery Efforts February 4 2025

DC FEMS Unified Command confirms recovery of 67 victims from an aircraft collision over the Potomac River, with 66 remains positively identified. Multi-agency salvage operations continue with the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Coast Guard, and US Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving. The Potomac River north of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge remains closed to all watercraft until further notice.