VIDEO: Smokey Bear — a pop culture icon better known by some baby boomers as Smokey the Bear — is going digital in a big way for his 75th birthday in an effort to reach younger Americans with messages that go beyond "only you can prevent forest fires." Now, in addition to being a burly, shirtless upright bear in a ranger hat, Smokey is an animated emoji that celebrities — including Stephen Colbert, Jeff Foxworthy and Al Roker — are speaking through.
- PUB DATE: 4/18/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Detroit Free Press

Eddy County Fire Services could take over management and operations of the Loving Volunteer Fire Department. The process could take up to two years, according to Eddy County Fire Services coordinator Joshua Mack. "They have to clear up all their financials. We have to go through the State Fire Marshal's office.
- PUB DATE: 4/18/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Carlsbad Current Argus Newspaper

A judge on Wednesday turned down a request from the city's fire union to halt a policy that directs firefighters to clean up blood and bodily fluids at accident and medical scenes. The Detroit Fire Fighter Association filed suit last month asking for an injunction until an unfair labor practices complaint over the newly inked rules could be resolved.
- PUB DATE: 4/18/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Detroit News

Whether it’s first responders fighting a wildfire or hikers getting lost in the wilderness, the loss of communication can be the difference between life and death. “This will boost the signal on your cellphone. If you are backpacking or hiking out in the wilderness, normally there would be no signal.
- PUB DATE: 4/18/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Pueblo Chieftain

Sam Phillips is putting down the hose after spending two-thirds of his life fighting fires. The Clallam Fire District No. 2 chief will retire June 30 after 42 years answering emergency calls and supervising those who do, he announced this week. The three fire commissioners named Deputy Fire Chief Jake Patterson, a former Port Angeles Fire Department lieutenant, as Phillips’ successor Tuesday following an executive session.
- PUB DATE: 4/18/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Peninsula Daily News - Metered Site