Are you prepared if an earthquake hits Washington state? Today, more than 1 million Washingtonians participated in "The Great ShakeOut," the largest earthquake and tsunami drill in the world. The annual earthquake drill was at 10:21 a.m. State emergency officials encouraged the public to participate as a reminder of what to do in an earthquake: drop, cover and hold on.
- PUB DATE: 10/21/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

VIDEO: Many Washington fire departments are dealing with the impacts of losing firefighters due to the state's vaccine mandate. Moses Lake Firefighters union will not accept the loss they've experienced. They are fighting to get them back. Moses Lake is a small fire department. Out of 36 firefighter union members, the Moses Lake Fire Department lost three, according to the union representing Moses Lake firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 10/21/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KREM-TV CBS 2 Spokane

A multivehicle collision involving a semitruck shut down both directions of Interstate 90 between North Bend and Easton on Wednesday night, Washington State Patrol Trooper John Bryant said. The interstate was closed for nearly seven hours. Both directions reopened around 4:45 a.m. Thursday. Westbound traffic was stopped at Exit 70 in Easton.
- PUB DATE: 10/21/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIRO-TV CBS 7 Seattle

The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) is pleased to announce that Eric Valliere will remain in office as chairman of the Board of Directors of FDSOA for a second three-year term. Valliere’s first term started when previous chairman, Jeff Merryman, had to step down early in his tenure. Prior to becoming chairman, Valliere served two terms as a western director and began his term as vice chairman before taking over for Merryman.

Valliere is an assistant chief with the Scottsdale Fire Department, where he has been since 2005. He oversees Operations, EMS, and Safety.

So far, his time as chairman has been busy. Valliere’s biggest accomplishments have been to expand the Apparatus Symposium to a full conference, add additional certifications and expand classes so the ISO certification can be a hybrid online course.

He’s also looking to the future and has big plans for his second term. The board is currently working on a strategic plan. Valliere would like to see more membership focus with CEUs, expanded outreach and increased member benefits. “I could totally do this full-time. I love the relationships I’ve made through FDSOA,” said Valliere.

His passion and enthusiasm will certainly help him during his second term. We look forward to celebrating his accomplishments.

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The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) was established in 1989 as a non-profit association. Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. The association is led by a volunteer board of directors and has a small staff to handle the day-to-day operations. The association is dedicated to the issues that affect the critical role of the safety officer in protecting and promoting the safety and health responsibilities of fire departments, communities and first responders.

FDSOA can be found on the web at www.fdsoa.org. Please follow FDSOA on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The Forks River (TN) Fire Department station was damaged in a single-vehicle accident last week, reports carthagecourier.com.

Around 6 a.m. last Wednesday, the vehicle struck the front of the building and damaged two bay doors, which were temporarily replaced by tarps, the report says.

Officials say the only apparatus damage was a scratch to one of the two engines inside at the time.