North Carolina is the first state in the country to implement a statewide voluntary registry to help combat the spread of COVID-19 among first responders, according to Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal Mike Causey. Causey’s office partnered with RTI International to create a survey on the Fire Marshal website to allow fire departments, emergency service workers, and other first responders to report positive COVID-19 cases and quarantines.
- PUB DATE: 1/15/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WITN-TV NBC 7 Washington

VIDEO: A retired firefighter from Chester, Pennsylvania is accused of being the man seen on video throwing a fire extinguisher that hit three police officers at the Capitol during the riot in Washington, D.C. last week. Robert Sanford, 55, was arrested Thursday morning on four federal charges, including knowingly entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, civil disorder and assaulting officers engaging in their official duties.
- PUB DATE: 1/15/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WPVI-TV ABC 6 Philadelphia

As the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the USA, vaccines have begun to be distributed across the country and its territories. Two different vaccines, one made by Pfizer-BioNTech and another from Moderna, have been authorized for emergency use and are part of the widespread distribution process. The first shots were given Dec.
- PUB DATE: 1/15/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: USA Today

Residents and businesses in Lakewood were evacuated Wednesday morning due to toxic smoke from an industrial fire. West Pierce Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Hallie McCurdy said crews were called to Specialty Products, Inc., located at 2310 104th St Ct S, around 6:30 a.m. McCurdy said the company makes polyurethane coatings, manufactures foam and that the building has a lot of hazardous materials inside.
- PUB DATE: 1/15/2021 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING-TV NBC 5 Seattle

The image of firefighters racing to a call in a big, red fire engine, lights blazing, is an image ingrained in the public’s psyche, but some fire districts — especially those in rural districts populated with steep, narrow roads — are deciding to leave the classic fire engine at the station on routine medical calls and, instead, opt to take smaller, more maneuverable vehicles.
- PUB DATE: 1/14/2021 1:12:55 PM - SOURCE: Camas-Washougal Post-Record