By Mark Correira

“Two-hundred years of tradition unimpeded by progress” – a favorite phrase of many fire service members. Change can be difficult and uncomfortable, but necessary if we are going to make a difference in our communities. I raise this as a conversation starter on diversity and inclusion in the fire service.

The Fire Service lacks diversity. Career firefighters in the United States are 96% male, and 82% are white. Even the military (85% male, 60% white) and law enforcement (88% male, 73% white) are more inclusive. These statistics point to the need to diversify our workforce and create a more inclusive fire service culture. 

Today is National First Responders Day. A day to honor the men and women who act quickly and help us when an emergency is at hand. Capt. Ken Meyers with the Pasco Fire Department got into the fire service through an ad in the newspaper more than thirty-five years ago. He said the fire department was advertising for firefighters.
- PUB DATE: 10/28/2020 7:42:30 AM - SOURCE: KNDO-TV NBC 23 News Richland

With winter on its way, now is the time to prepare for the impending ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. Historically, the winter season results in an increase of property damage and a higher frequency of premises injuries.

 

Our goal is to help ensure that the appropriate preventative measures are in place to protect your facilities and those who utilize them. The following is a partial checklist of some preparatory and maintenance measures you can take to prepare your organization for the impending weather conditions:

PHOTOS: The Sumter Fire Department is battling a structure fire near South Lafayette Drive and Fulton Street that broke out a little after 10 p.m. Tuesday. The building, the former VB Williams Furniture Plant located at 602 E Fulton St, is engulfed in flames. The building is now known as Howell’s recyclable Materials, a recyclables warehouse according to officials.
- PUB DATE: 10/28/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WMBF-TV NBC News Myrtle Beach

COVID-19 may dominate the headlines. But another epidemic that was already raging before it arrived has flared up in recent months, too, according to new University of Michigan data. A real-time tracking system that launched in 2019 shows a 15% rise in suspected opioid overdose deaths across most of Michigan since March, compared with the same time last year, and a 29% rise in first responders’ use of a rescue drug called naloxone that can reverse an opioid overdose if given in time.
- PUB DATE: 10/28/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Michigan Health Lab