Many measures implemented initially in reaction to demands associated with the COVID-19 pandemic likely will become long-term components of public-safety communications, particularly in the 911 arena, public-safety representatives said during a recent webinar. Mel Maier, captain of the emergency communications and operations division of the Oakland County (Mich.
- PUB DATE: 6/3/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: IWCE'S Urgent Communications

PHOTOS: A day after he ran 80 miles to raise money for colleagues struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, former Woodstock firefighter and paramedic Ryan Mains was sore, tired and thankful. “I don’t know how I can express my gratitude,” he said from his home in Huntley. “The support we got in the months leading up to it and yesterday was so incredible.
- PUB DATE: 6/3/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Chicago Tribune - Metered Site

The health effects of COVID-19 pose an extra danger to people with underlying health conditions — like the thousands of workers who sprang into action on September 11, 2001. Michael Barasch is an attorney who represents members of the 9/11 community, including the rescue workers and cleanup crews who spent months in the pile of rubble after the World Trade Center towers collapsed in New York City.
- PUB DATE: 6/3/2020 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WSHU Public Radio

The Fleet Reserve Building in Oak Harbor was damaged in a mid-morning fire Sunday, the Oak Harbor Fire Department reported. Fire Chief Ray Merrill said the fire started inside the structure but the cause has not yet been determined. An investigation is ongoing. A witness reported seeing smoke coming from the roof of the building, which is in the southeast area of the city, at 10:38 a.
- PUB DATE: 6/2/2020 1:09:48 PM - SOURCE: Whidbey News-Times

A three-alarm fire at the Chelan Food Mart on East Woodin Ave. collapsed the roof and required evacuation of a neighboring house early Tuesday morning. Chelan Fire and Rescue Lt. Shawn Sherman was first on the scene around 4:00 a.m. “It didn’t look like there was any active flames when we first arrived there, but there was smoke showing so we knew we had a fire somewhere.
- PUB DATE: 6/2/2020 11:47:15 AM - SOURCE: KPQ-AM 560