Camas-Washougal firefighters are “at a breaking point” due to mandatory overtime caused by staffing shortages, and there are no immediate solutions, according to Camas-Washougal Fire Chief Nick Swinhart. “We are so appreciative of our staff working this mandatory overtime and changing family plans and really pulling out all the stops to keep it going, but they’re at a breaking point,” Swinhart told city councilors during a Nov.
- PUB DATE: 12/7/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Columbian - Metered Site

PHOTOS: Units from Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue were dispatched at 5:18 a.m. Friday (Dec. 3) to reports of an outbuilding on fire east of La Center at 32318 NE 64th Avenue. Initial reports stated that several explosions could be heard coming from the building. CCFR Engine 23 from the La Center station arrived nine minutes later to find a two-story building with a basement fully involved in fire.
- PUB DATE: 12/7/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Clark County Today

PHOTOS: One man was killed and another hospitalized in serious condition late Monday night after a high-speed head-on collision in Renton. The Renton Police Department were called for a two-vehicle accident in the 1200 block of Benson Road South. One man was killed and the other was taken to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.
- PUB DATE: 12/7/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

The COVID-19 Omicron variant has been detected in three counties across Washington, and in more than 20 countries worldwide, according to the CDC. Scientists said not much is known about Omicron, as detection of the variant is still in the early stages. However, researchers in Washington said the information currently available about Omicron has them on alert.
- PUB DATE: 12/7/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13 Seattle

CMC, the rescue and work -at-height company dedicated to helping save lives and keeping people safe, announces its 2022 CMC School schedule of courses for rescue professional training.

Offering education in many disciplines at strategic locations around the country, the CMC School provides hands-on learning and practical scenarios, including Confined Space Rescue, Rope Rescue and Trench Rescue classes. Two new classes have been added this year: Introduction to Rope Access for Rescue and Arizona Vortex Workshop. Both of these new classes will be hosted at Pro Safety and Rescue’s newly designed, climate controlled, Rescue Training Center in Bakersfield, CA. Formerly the printing plant of the local newspaper, this facility has been converted into a world-class rope rescue, rope access, and confined space training center.

“For over 40 years, the CMC School has provided rescue and other work-at-height professionals with the knowledge and training to do their jobs safely, efficiently and confidently. Our hands-on courses are led by our team of seasoned instructors, allowing students to work with the tools of the trade, solving realistic rescue scenarios under real-life conditions,” said Wayne Chapman, CMC School Director.

In the early 1980s, CMC developed one of the first curriculums for teaching mountain rescue skills to public safety professionals. Their experience as a leader in the rescue equipment industry naturally led to the teaching of rescue techniques and the establishment of the CMC School.

Over the years, the CMC School has evolved to include open enrollment and contract classes on Rope Rescue, Confined Space Entry and Rescue, Trench Rescue, Structural Collapse Rescue, Tower Rescue, Tactical Rappelling, and other unique or difficult work-at-height or rescue situations.  

The Open Enrollment calendar for 2022 courses is now open for early registration here. For more information on the CMC School and for the full course schedule, visit www.cmcpro.com/school.