Hobart “Hobie” Erickson put in 30 years at a fire department in New Jersey and rose to the level of captain. Then, he and his wife, Lois, retired to the Lakelands. End of story, right? Absolutely not. Erickson kept riding by the Donalds Fire Department, and Lois encouraged him to volunteer. That eventually fueled his internal flame to return to doing what he always loved.
- PUB DATE: 1/31/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Index-Journal - Metered Site

A Jacksonville brother and sister duo are using their close relationship to help save lives at UF Health. When Brian Brown is bringing patients into UF Health Jacksonville, he can call his sister for help. “Probably about six months ago, and he was like, Oh, I had a patient that had like, These signs and symptoms, and I'm like, Yeah, that's signs of a stroke.
- PUB DATE: 1/31/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: First Coast News

VIDEO: There is now more optimism that the worst of the coronavirus pandemic may be ending -- and as other nations lift certain Covid-19 restrictions, some public health experts question whether US counties and cities should consider easing their guidance on mask-wearing or social distancing, as well.
- PUB DATE: 1/31/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: CNN Health

It was a somber day for Seattle firefighters as they said goodbye to one of their own. Firefighter Matt Runte passed away unexpectedly in December while on a run before his shift. On Saturday, a procession made its way down Mercer Street towards McCaw Hall as many paid their respects to Runte, a 19-year veteran of the Seattle Fire Department.
- PUB DATE: 1/31/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: My Northwest

Pierce is a six-month-old mini goldendoodle. He’s very much still in training, but pretty soon, he’ll have an important job within Spokane County Fire District 8. Chaplain Aaron McNally got Pierce from a breeder in Spangle who generously donated him to the fire department. McNally says during his chaplaincy, he’s done years of station visits, interacting with firefighters and responding to tragic scenes and emergencies.
- PUB DATE: 1/31/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane