Prosecutors are claiming that a serial arson case in Sacramento federal court has national security implications and, in a highly unusual ruling, a judge is allowing the government to withhold parts of the evidence from defense lawyers. Attorneys on both sides declined Monday to comment publicly, but court papers they have filed outline a dispute over the legality of hiding evidence with no obligation to disclose the reasons to the defense team.
- PUB DATE: 11/2/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Sacramento Bee

A Michigan State Police trooper testified that suspended Allegan District Fire Chief Matt Gillies admitted to sexually abusing a 4-year-old girl and recording it. During the hearing Tuesday, the trooper affirmed Gillies sexually abused the young girl at his home and recorded it in September. Gillies had a previous foster care relationship with the girl but not at the time of the alleged incident, according to investigators.
- PUB DATE: 11/2/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Detroit Free Press

Rural fire departments have more than 140 additional firefighters one year after legislation became law that eliminated the age limit for new volunteers. House Bill 2005, authored by Rep. Mike Sanders, took effect Nov. 1, 2015. The law eliminated the 45-year-old age limit for new firefighters by giving them the option of joining the system without the requirement that they be added to the state’s pension plan.
- PUB DATE: 11/2/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Norman Transcript

PHOTO - Four firefighters and one civilian were injured today when a fire truck collided with a car in the Back Bay causing a domino effect that damaged eight other cars, fire officials said. The civilian and firefighters, including one captain, all were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where they were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn said.
- PUB DATE: 11/1/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Boston Herald

A 25-year veteran of Cleveland's fire department sued the city and several employees Monday claiming he was subject to retaliation based on an erroneous belief that he had leaked damaging information about a former fire chief. Sean DeCrane, who retired in September as Third Battalion chief, contends he warned city officials in January 2013 that former fire division Chief Daryl McGinnis lacked required continuing training and certification needed to hold his position.
- PUB DATE: 11/1/2016 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Cleveland Plain Dealer & Cleveland.com