VIDEO: Firefighters have a tough job, and Valley drivers don't make it any easier. Capt. Nick Gonzalez of the Peoria Fire-Medical Department said firefighters are continually having to avoid motorists who don't pull over when they see or hear an emergency vehicle. When you see flashing lights or hear a siren, you're supposed to slow down and pull (safely) to the right -- as far as you can -- and wait until the fire truck, ambulance or police car passes.
- PUB DATE: 4/10/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KASW-CW6 & KTVK-3TV (azfamily.com)

Over howls of protest from Rhode Island’s municipal leaders, the House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a two-bill package mandating that cities and towns pay overtime to firefighters who average more than 42 hours in a workweek, as opposed to the 53-hour-a-week federal O.T. threshold. The largely party-line vote was 62-9 in a state that regularly tops the national charts in its cost of firefighting services, and it followed days of protests by mayors and town managers across the state, including Warwick Mayor Joseph J.
- PUB DATE: 4/10/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Providence Journal - Metered Site

Three retired FDNY firefighters suffering from 9/11 illnesses died within 48 hours this week as the number of those succumbing to lethal toxins at Ground Zero continues to swell, officials and 9/11 survivor advocates said Saturday. Retired FDNY Lt. Timothy O’Neill died on April 2 and Firefighter Kevin Lennon died on April 4 from 9/11-related cancers — nearly 18 years after responding to the terror attacks.
- PUB DATE: 4/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New York Daily News

VIDEO: The Firefighter Health and Safety Bill passed another hurdle Monday afternoon. Senate Bill 160 passed the third reading in the House with a vote of 89 to nine. Great Falls International Association of Fire Fighters Local Eight President Dave Van Son said they are very excited. “This is the furthest it has ever made,” Van Son said.
- PUB DATE: 4/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KRTV.com

Few interest groups have been more generous to Rhode Island lawmakers than the firefighters’ lobby, which is pushing controversial overtime legislation up for a House vote on Tuesday, in a state that regularly tops the national charts on the cost of fire protection. Since 2007, the R.I. State Association of Firefighters has logged more than $290,413 on political spending, with most of that money going to help state lawmakers win reelection and ward off challengers.
- PUB DATE: 4/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Providence Journal - Metered Site