New Jersey's pension system for public employees costs more than most other states while offering "generous" benefits that are increasingly going toward more retirees than active employees, according to a new report. One retirement fund, for police and firefighters, had more people collecting pension benefits in 2019 than current workers, and two others were on a similar trajectory — meaning those funds are less able to handle investments risks, the analysis by the fiscally conservative think tank Garden State Initiative found.
- PUB DATE: 12/14/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: NorthJersey.com - Metered Site

Fire Chief Larry Walters spoke to City Council about a new initiative the department is currently working on to help promote safety through social media. “We’re always looking for ways to get safety messages out regarding fires, hazards, that sort of thing,” Walters said. “Social media has been a good way to do that.
- PUB DATE: 12/14/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Cleveland.com

A new Oneida County program will better prepare first responders for emergency situations involving people with special needs. The Assistance for Special, Cognitive, Emotional Needs and Disabilities (ASCEND) program will allow people to voluntarily register their disability or condition with the county so emergency workers will be notified of the circumstances during an emergency call.
- PUB DATE: 12/14/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WKTV NBC/CBS/CW+2 Utica

Kennewick Fire investigators did not say where the initial report came from. From a report on Twitter, Kennewick Fire Chief Chad Michael said crews were sent to the Double Dragon Chinese Restaurant at 3107 West Clearwater around 3:20 AM Tuesday morning after a call about of a fire. Upon arrival crews reportedly could see flames inside the building.
- PUB DATE: 12/13/2021 7:40:45 PM - SOURCE: KORD-FM 102.7 Richland

Prince Edward County (Canada) has donated surplus fire equipment and apparatus–including a pumper tanker, positive pressure fan, and gear–to Firefighters Without Borders Canada.

The nonprofit organization plans to provide the donations to the Summer Beaver Band, a First Nation community in Northern Ontario.