The Washington State Department of Health confirmed the first case of the Omicron variant in Yakima County on December 16, 2021. The individual who tested positive for the new variant is a man in his 30s and is currently in isolation. After further case investigation, it has been found that the individual had a travel history within the United States and was exposed to COVID-19 there.
- PUB DATE: 12/20/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS News Yakima

A man who fell through the ice at Fish Lake Regional Park is expected to be okay. Spokane County firefighters said a 19-year-old man was walking on the ice and fell through. Rescue crews were able to get him out using a backboard and a rope. Rescue crews said his core temperate was low once they got him out and he was borderline hypothermic.
- PUB DATE: 12/19/2021 12:07:12 PM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4 Spokane

The Concord (MA) Fire Department has been partaking in training exercises to close out the year.

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The department’s newest members have been training on water rescue and vehicle extrication techniques.

Lots of great training going on at Concord Fire to close out 2021.
Our newest members have been training on water rescue and vehicle extrication techniques. Tomorrow they will be attempting to put this car back together.
Just kidding, happy holidays!#CFD pic.twitter.com/kUmLHWb8cW

— Concord Fire-EMS (@ConcordMAFire) December 17, 2021

On the heels of a deadly tornado, the Biloxi (MS) Fire Department is hosting the Christmas for Kentucky toy drive.

Interested parties can drop off an unwrapped toy at any department station before 6 p.m. Sunday. Cash is not being accepted though.

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The toy drive was started by a group of retired firefighters who wanted to help after the tornado’s destruction.

The Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department’s Recruit School 150 has been working for several weeks now on the EMS component of its training curriculum.

Recently, the recruits were put through EMS scenarios. See video below.

“Practical application to enhance classroom learning! #FCFRD #fairfaxcountyfireandrescue #fairfaxcounty #fairfax #fairfaxva”