South County Fire crews responded to a two-alarm fire at Colonial Pantry restaurant in Edmonds’ Firdale Village just before 8 a.m. Friday morning. South County Fire spokeswoman Leslie Hynes says there were no injuries. The cause is under investigation. Fire crews were called out around 7:50 a.m. following a report of black smoke coming from the building.
- PUB DATE: 3/13/2020 10:52:35 AM - SOURCE: My Edmonds News

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan (D) says first responders and medical facilities at the heart of America’s coronavirus outbreak will run out of desperately needed protective gear if they do not receive new supplies from a national stockpile in the coming days and weeks. In an exclusive interview, Durkan told The Hill that current estimates suggest there are more than 1,100 people in the greater Seattle area who are infected with the coronavirus, many of whom show few symptoms and therefore have not sought medical attention.
- PUB DATE: 3/13/2020 5:38:48 AM - SOURCE: The Hill

Concerned about the effects of coming into contact with the coronavirus, unions representing firefighters, paramedics, nurses and hospital workers are asking lawmakers to act on their behalf. As workers on the front lines of the epidemic, the unions said they want assurances — perhaps requiring additional legislation — that their benefits won’t be exhausted if they contract COVID-19 or miss work because they’re under quarantine after coming into contact with people with coronavirus.
- PUB DATE: 3/13/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Twin Cities Pioneer Press

Fighting fires is no easy task. The work is often intense and physical. But that's not stopping about 10,000 women from joining their male counterparts on the front lines. Except, there is one big difference: their gear. With every zip, pull of a boot, and tug of a coat, the volunteer firefighters of Chaires and Capitola prepare themselves for the toughest of fires.
- PUB DATE: 3/13/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WCTV CBS 6 Thomasville

Ed Parkinson today was named by the FirstNet Authority Board as executive director—operationally, the chief executive officer (CEO)—for the FirstNet Authority, becoming the organization’s third full-time staff leader and its first in more than 17 months. FirstNet Authority Board Chair Ed Horowitz said that Parkinson was selected at the conclusion of a “comprehensive and thorough search” to lead the FirstNet Authority staff.
- PUB DATE: 3/13/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Urgent Communications