The New Orleans fire department says it received a nice gift from the city: one thousand rapid COVID tests days before the city’s vaccine mandate went into effect. “It’s advantageous in that sense we can test when you get off work and then be ready by the following tour,” said Aaron Mischler. Firefighters work on 24- and 48-hour shifts, so union leader Aaron Mischler says the once-a-week testing requirements work well for their firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 10/20/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WVUE-DT FOX 8 New Orleans

Seattle firefighters who lost their jobs over the COVID vaccine mandate dropped off their boots, said a prayer with their families, and cooked breakfast for the homeless in Occidental Park on Tuesday. On Monday, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan had indicated that the Seattle Fire Department reported 91% of its employees vaccinated against COVID-19, and 6% were allowed a religious or medical exemption.
- PUB DATE: 10/20/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO Radio

An explosive device found behind a Silverdale nail salon and tractor supply has been dismantled. The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office said it, along with the FBI, ATF and Washington State Patrol worked together to take out the device. Officials say it was found behind the Tractor Supply Company and Happy Nails and Spa in the 2200 block of Bucklin Hill Road around 10 p.
- PUB DATE: 10/20/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 Seattle

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for a Jefferson Fire Station that has been completed two years behind schedule, reports The Annandale Blog.

The $13.7 million project was supposed to be completed by the end of 2019 and staff and vehicles were relocated to a temporary fire station. Seven Corners Fire Station is also expected to use the temporary fire station so their project has also been delayed.

The new two-story building is 18,000 square feet and has five bays. The old building was constructed in 1953 and was 14,670 square feet and had four bays.

The first floor has administrative offices, a kitchen, dining room, lounge, and conference room. There are bunk rooms, lockers, and an exercise room on the second floor.

The city is planning to purchase a new ambulance from Horton Emergency Vehicles in Grove City, reports Akron Beacon Journal.

The vehicle will cost $264,225 and will be obtained through the state’s cooperative purchasing/procurement program. The new vehicle will replace a 2003 model and is expected to take 12 to 14 months to arrive for service.