Western Washington’s forests are one of the main attractions for residents and visitors looking to escape the grind of the city, but the expanse of rolling trees are facing increasing challenges. Western Washington and especially Puget Sound have a variety of forests and conditions which affect them.
- PUB DATE: 4/17/2019 1:01:30 PM - SOURCE: Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Chelan County Fire District 1 Commissioner Doug Miller has resigned from his post. Fire Chief Brian Brett says Miller resigned at the end of their last meeting. “It is effective immediately. We are going to notify the auditor of the vacancy and I believe 90 days is the timeline to fill the vacancy.
- PUB DATE: 4/17/2019 12:52:31 PM - SOURCE: KPQ-AM 560

Three recreational vehicles on a single property were destroyed by fire Tuesday afternoon in Lakeview, according to fire officials, and investigators are looking into the cause. Callers to 911 reportedly stated that a 25-year-old woman who was taken into custody was standing outside the RV’s laughing when first responders arrived.
- PUB DATE: 4/17/2019 12:49:38 PM - SOURCE: Columbia Basin Herald

Emergency Reporting (ER), the global leader in cloud-based reporting and records management software for Fire and EMS agencies, has received a significant growth investment from the Polaris Growth Fund. Polaris Growth Fund is an affiliate fund of Polaris Partners, a Boston-based private investment firm with two decades of technology investing experience.

Founded by Dave Adams and Adrian Mintz in 2003, Emergency Reporting was envisaged to streamline incident reporting for fire and emergency medical services. The product suite has since grown to include a complete records management solution. Emergency Reporting’s software, in concert with a robust partner ecosystem, helps customers automate and achieve compliance with state and federal reporting standards, as well as drive workflow efficiencies with a range of mission critical, fire-specific operating modules.

“From inception Emergency Reporting has been relentlessly committed to providing first responders with a modern, best-in-class platform emphasizing ease of use and integrated workflows. As the technology needs of our customers continue to expand, this investment from Polaris provides us capital and resources to execute on the numerous opportunities we see for innovation to improve the lives of those on the front lines protecting people and property,” stated David Nokes, Chief Executive Office of Emergency Reporting. “This is an exciting announcement for our employees, customers, and partners.”

Founders Dave Adams and Adrian Mintz will continue to play a role in the growth of ER as Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Product Officer, respectively. Emergency Reporting’s headquarters will remain in Bellingham, Washington.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the exceptional team at Emergency Reporting. Through a differentiated combination of product depth, interoperability and service, they have built a formidable market position fortified by a loyal, engaged customer base and a vibrant, growing ecosystem of partners. We look forward to working with the team and supporting their vision for the next chapter of growth,” said Dan Lombard, a Partner at Polaris who will join the Board of Directors. “This investment builds on our longstanding interest in government software and exemplifies the kind of passionate team with whom we seek to partner. We believe ER is just scratching the surface of its potential for category leadership and impact,” said Sabrina Chiasson, a Vice President at Polaris who will also join the Board of Directors.

Cascadia Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor to Emergency Reporting.

About Emergency Reporting

Emergency Reporting (ER) offers a cloud-based records management software (RMS) solution to Fire/EMS agencies worldwide. Founded in 2003, ER empowers first responders with secure, easy-to-use station management tools that offer one-report filing of NFIRS and NEMSIS data. ER’s SaaS solution allows Fire/EMS departments to run their entire operations efficiently, enhancing both firefighter and citizen safety. ER is proud to support more than 460,000 first responders and agency personnel at more than 6,400 agencies. Current customers include DoD/military installations, as well as large entities with self-contained Fire/EMS services such as NASA, nuclear power plants, hospitals, and oil refineries. For more information, visit www.emergencyreporting.com.

About Polaris Partners

Polaris Partners has a 20-plus year history of partnering with repeat entrepreneurs

Hyperice Inc., a leading performance technology company known for its recovery and mobility devices, recently announces the first performance optimization program specifically developed for firefighters and first responders. To further develop this initiative, the company has partnered with RULK, a leading training and conditioning specialist, well known for his raw functional training developed for first responders, firefighters, special ops teams and SWAT. Hyperice’s program for firefighters is designed to incorporate their world class vibration technology, education and methodology. Their recovery and mobility devices will be utilized as a way to relax and loosen muscles, increase circulation and enhance range of motion and flexibility.

In an effort to create the most optimal working environment for firefighters and first responders, and to enhance performance and career longevity, the program will also include:

• Firefighter specific performance optimization content, educational workshops, tutorials and protocols.
• A firefighter and first-responder curriculum designed to enhance career longevity and optimize performance. 
• The launch of firefighter Wellness Pods, a “wellness room” concept providing easy accessibility to leading tools, established for warm up, rehabilitation and recovery.

“These incredible heroes have so much on the line while they are out there protecting and saving lives on a daily basis,” said RULK. “They need to prepare and recover at the highest level so they can consistently perform at their very best. The synergy of my functional training methodology and Hyperice’s technology will enhance performance, expedite recovery and improve health for all of our first responders.”

It is well-known that the rigorous demands of firefighters and first responders take a toll on the body physically, resulting in muscle soreness and strains. These physical demands have led to injuries and ailments, often leaving them unable to perform at the highest levels both mentally and physically.

“As a performance technology company, we believe we can offer our devices and methodology to help enhance the health and wellness, and ultimately the livelihood, of these brave individuals," said Jim Huether, CEO of Hyperice. “We are excited to implement this first-of-its-kind performance optimization program in partnership with RULK as a way to educate firefighters and first responders on how they can properly take care of their physical health.”

Hyperice will be demonstrating these protocols in Indianapolis at the Fire Department Instructors Conference through April 13^th.

Learn more about Hyperice’s performance technology at https://hyperice.com/