VIDEO: In 2023, the International Association of Fire Fighters added 571 names to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Wall, and 361 of those names died from occupational cancer. "It's real. We have probably had 5 to 10 just in Illinois in the last 18 months succumb to the illness," said Chuck Sullivan, AFFI President.
- PUB DATE: 1/11/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WAND-TV NBC 17 Decatur

VIDEO: Bourbon is America’s only native spirit, and around it has formed a billion dollar industry steeped in legacy and tradition. Brought by some of the first immigrants to the newly formed United States and developed to perfection in Kentucky, bourbon was born. In the decades that followed, a collection of ambitious entrepreneurs opened their own distilleries and put their unique twists on the classic formula.
- PUB DATE: 1/11/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WPTZ-TV NBC 5 Plattsburgh

The Baltimore City spending board approved a new program Wednesday aimed at solving the city's emergency medical services shortage. Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said the city is down 80 EMS providers, and that number has increased. In June, firefighters union Local 734 president Matthew Coster said there were 74 vacancies.
- PUB DATE: 1/11/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WBAL-TV NBC 11 Baltimore

Leaders in Washington state are hoping for approval of legislation that would grant Smokey Bear a license plate in the state. While known and used in prevention efforts across the country, Smokey Bear is rooted in the Pacific Coast. A bill has been pre-filed proposing a new license plate featuring Smokey Bear, which would be the first option for state license plates through DNR, supporting wildfire prevention and wildland firefighter programs.
- PUB DATE: 1/11/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Chronicle

Tacoma Police Department (TPD) officers arrested three juveniles for alleged arson Wednesday afternoon in connection to a fire that occurred at Gault Middle School on Jan. 3. The TPD said on Jan. 3, just after 4 a.m., officers and Tacoma fire personnel were called to a fire at Gault Middle School, located at 1115 E Division Lane.
- PUB DATE: 1/11/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle