Two women are smashing the University of Notre Dame Fire Department‘s gender barrier. Michelle Woolverton and Christi Shibata were sworn in recently as the department’s first-ever full-time female firefighters since its inception 140 years ago. Woolverton, 42, started with NDFD in August and Shibata, 37, in July.
- PUB DATE: 9/23/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: South Bend Tribune

To stem the tide of declining membership and award volunteers, the state House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee approved legislation last week to expand the use of volunteer relief money for volunteer firefighters. House Bill 1673 would create the Length of Service Award Program to provide tax-deferred income benefits to active volunteer firefighters, and expand the use of relief funds to include assistance and materials for volunteer recruitment and retention.
- PUB DATE: 9/23/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Intelligencer

Spokane Fire Department responded to a fire behind a house on the 2500 block of North Sycamore Street early Sunday morning. The fire reportedly started in a large shop behind a row of homes, though billowed out after fire crews arrived. The initial fire spread to two nearby cars and had separated an electrical line.
- PUB DATE: 9/22/2019 3:48:22 PM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4

The City of Kennewick responds to last night's email that was sent out by former Fire Chief Vince Beasley that said the City of Kennewick placed him on “administrative leave” and asked him to return keys and city property. The city's press release states, "City Manager Marie Mosley has been working with former Chief Beasley for an extended period of time on performance and leadership concerns.
- PUB DATE: 9/22/2019 1:29:47 PM - SOURCE: KEPR-TV CBS 19

Arguably one of the most important jobs in the community is becoming one of the toughest to find volunteers for. A recent report says around 65% of firefighters across the nation are volunteers. Those volunteers are becoming increasingly harder to recruit, and Spokane is no exception. “We’ve definitely seen a slight decrease in a traditional volunteer,” said Deputy Chief Orlando Sandoval.
- PUB DATE: 9/21/2019 8:01:34 PM - SOURCE: KXLY-TV ABC 4