Firefighters working for the Navy in Hampton Roads say a manpower shortage is forcing them to work mandatory overtime that often means shifts of 72 or 96 hours straight with just a 24-hour break. Local union leaders say their members are suffering under exhausting schedules, while complaints to their civilian and Navy bosses have not yielded results.
- PUB DATE: 8/13/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Norfolk Virginian-Pilot/HamptonRoads.com

Huge explosions in a warehouse district sent up massive fireballs that turned the night sky into day, killing at least 50 people and injuring hundred in the Chinese port city of Tianjin, officials and witnesses said Thursday. That was more than double the number previously reported. Twelve of the dead were from among the more than 1,000 firefighters sent to fight the blaze set off by the explosions shortly before midnight, the official Xinhua News agency said.
- PUB DATE: 8/13/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: cbs news

PHOTOS - The Zeigler Fire Department says a fire truck was involved in a rollover crash on Tuesday morning, Aug. 11 while responding to a fire. They say all six firefighters on board were taken to an area hospital. According to the fire department, the truck captain was pinned until crews could arrive to remove her.
- PUB DATE: 8/12/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KFVS-TV 12

The National EMS Memorial Service, the National EMS Memorial Foundation and the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, all charitable 501 c3 organizations, have agreed to collaborate on a strategic plan to honor EMS providers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Over the years, distinct efforts have been undertaken to honor these fallen heroes and their families.
- PUB DATE: 8/12/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: ems world

It's a sign of the times in Atlanta -- a new highway billboard that warns people they enter Atlanta at their own risk. And there is rough-and-tumble politicking behind that provocative billboard. The billboard is a public jab at Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, and it is a new twist to the war of words between the police and fire unions on one side, and the mayor on the other -- over pay and pensions.
- PUB DATE: 8/12/2015 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WXIA-TV NBC 11 Atlanta