Gov. Gina Raimondo has vetoed a bill that would automatically give firefighters a lifetime tax-free accidental-disability pension if they develop a heart condition. Supporters of the bill – sponsored by Sen. Frank Lombardi, D-Cranston – argue it should be presumed that firefighters who have a stroke or heart disease suffered the ailment in the line of duty.
- PUB DATE: 9/28/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WPRI-TV Providence 12

For Dallas firefighters and paramedics, saving lives is a calling. But what happens when one of their own needs saving? The recent suicide of one of Dallas Fire-Rescue’s nearly 1,900-member force is bringing uncomfortable conversations to the forefront. Earlier this year, the 37-year-old firefighter was arrested on a DWI charge.
- PUB DATE: 9/28/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KHOU-TV CBS 11 Houston

Investigators believe an unidentified vandal who dumped oil outside two officials' homes may have been motivated by the dissolution of Medina Township's fire department. Medina Fire Chief Bob Painter on Monday found about three gallons of oil dumped on the driveway outside his home. Painter's son nearly crashed his motorcycle when he ran over the oil slick, Medina Township Police Chief David Arbogast said Tuesday evening in a news release.
- PUB DATE: 9/28/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Cleveland Plain Dealer & Cleveland.com

Imagine serving a very small community on a tiny budget with a crew of less than 15 people and an average age of about 22. Now imagine a catastrophic storm sweeping through and ravaging that community while destroying all your equipment and even your personal vehicles. Sounds like enough to make the average person throw up their hands and give in, but the young members of the Plum Grove Fire Department never quit as the flood waters from Hurricane Harvey continued rising, and certainly not when members of the community were also stepping up to help those in need.
- PUB DATE: 9/28/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Firehouse.com

This past April, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, M.D., announced that the HHS will provide $485 million in grants to help states combat opioid addiction. The funding has been allocated to all 50 states over two years through the State Targeted Response to the Opioid Crisis Grants provided in the 21st Century Cures Act.
- PUB DATE: 9/28/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: FireRescue1