Autism presents challenges for families as well as those diagnosed with it. It can also create unique complications for police officers, firefighters and paramedics who may not be familiar with how an autistic person may respond to them. “I can tell you, as parent of someone with autism, law enforcement is a bit scary (for someone with autism),” said Yakima police Sgt.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Yakima Herald

A Snohomish County judge sentenced Elmer Nash, Jr. to 10 years in prison and parole for the rest of his life for the killing of an Everett firefighter 34 years ago. At 47-years-old Elmer Nash, Jr. walked in the courtroom for his sentencing, just one year younger than the man he killed. “I wish I could turn back the clock and take a match out of a kid’s hand,” testified Parks’ oldest daughter, Erin Van Ry.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

A Yakima County man is facing charges after deputies say he intentionally set fire to a building and took a pickaxe to several vehicles inside. Deputies responded to a 911 call at the 500 block of Lester Rd in Yakima County. The victim told police that a man had knocked on his door yelling that there was a fire.
- PUB DATE: 5/14/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KIMA-TV CBS/CW+ 29 Yakima

Edmonds resident Kim Sharpe is a Navy veteran, and also works with South County Fire as its veterans outreach coordinator. “So it was just by coincidence (and) good luck,” he said, that the woman who showed up recently at Lynnwood Fire Station 15 with a shadow box of unknown origins happened to encounter him.
- PUB DATE: 5/13/2021 6:38:27 PM - SOURCE: My Edmonds News

The Gustine Volunteer Fire Department has taken ownership of a new fire truck, reports The West Side Connect.

Congressman Jim Costa offered remarks at the event before Mayor Pat Nagy presented the check, in the amount of approximately $645,000, to Ken Howenstine, a representative of Burton’s Fire, Inc., of Modesto.

A public dedication of the new truck will be held next week. The truck will be dedicated in memory of Cal Fire Captain Paul Rotondaro, who was instrumental in helping the city secure grant funds to purchase the truck.

With the exception of about $30,000 in local funds, the purchase of a new fire truck was funded by a federal grant received through FEMA, City Manager Doug Dunford said. Fire Chief Pat Borrelli said last week that striping and numbering must be completed and equipment installed before the truck is put into service.