There has been a barrier-breaking first on Long Island. On Tuesday, a fire department created back in 1898 swore in its first Afro/Latino fire commissioner. In a very diverse community, African-American leaders say that's reason to celebrate. Rasheen "Roc" Williams' extended family and his fire department family applauded him in a historic first.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WCBS-TV CBS 2 New York

VIDEO: Maury County first responders are getting more reports of car crashes - not from people, but from an emergency iPhone feature. It senses when you go from a high rate of speed to suddenly stopping and will automatically call 911. “We receive these calls very often,” Maury County Fire Department’s Savannah Maddison said.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WSMV-TV NBC 4 Nashville

A fire at a Buddhist temple in Seattle sparked on Tuesday, less than 48 hours after crews responded to a fire at the same location. Tuesday's fire was determined to be a flare up from the previous fire on New Year's Eve, according to Seattle Fire. Seattle Fire received multiple calls about smoke coming from the temple in the 1400 block of South Main Street just before 2:30 p.
- PUB DATE: 1/3/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation announced the award of a $20,257 grant to North Whidbey Fire and Rescue to ensure first responders have the necessary equipment to keep community members and themselves safe. The grant will be used to purchase thermal imaging cameras, fulfilling a critical need within the department.
- PUB DATE: 1/2/2024 6:30:00 AM - SOURCE: Whidbey News-Times

There is no evidence of terrorism in the fiery New Year's Day crash that saw the driver of an SUV stashed with gas canisters speed toward pedestrians and fatally collide with a car after a concert in Rochester, New York, police said Tuesday. The suspect was identified as Michael Avery, 35, of the Syracuse area.
- PUB DATE: 1/2/2024 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: NBC News