State Reps. Ryan Berman, Brandt Iden and Jeff Yaroch have introduced a plan to stiffen penalties for criminals who threaten or carry out targeted attacks on first responders and corrections officers in Michigan. Berman, who serves as a reserve police officer, said attacks on law enforcement officers and other first responders have increased over the past few years, creating a need for stronger protections.
- PUB DATE: 3/21/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Fox 47 News

VIDEO: First responders are on the front line of New Hampshire's drug epidemic every day, and the trauma they experience dealing with the victims often follows them home. Manchester police, firefighters and EMTs described the consequences of compassion fatigue Tuesday to U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan. "Certainly in my 35 years on the job, I've never seen this much death," Manchester Fire Chief Dan Goonan said.
- PUB DATE: 3/21/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WMUR-TV ABC 9

A first responders' advocacy group is pushing for a new benefit for retired firefighters and rescue squad workers — one currently enjoyed by retired police officers — but municipal officials across the state, including in Elizabeth City, warn it will be hard to pay for. The Parity For First Responders legislation, House Bill 278, and its companion bill in the Senate, Senate Bill 179, would grant a separation allowance to firefighters and emergency medical services personnel who retire with 30 years of service.
- PUB DATE: 3/21/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: DailyAdvance.com

In a move described as “generational change,” Sonoma County supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved a $4.6 million plan to reorganize volunteer fire departments and boost staffing at four tax-supported fire districts. The approval followed positive comments from a dozen fire agency representatives in the audience, a sharp contrast from an earlier proposal that generated animosity within the fire services network.
- PUB DATE: 3/21/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Petaluma360 & Petaluma Argus Courier

It’s the first day of spring, but brush fires have already been popping up across Washington state because of the dry conditions. In White Center Wednesday afternoon a brush fire damaged an apartment building and injured three firefighters. The brush fire was about two acres in size and winds carried the fire toward an apartment complex, damaging seven units and displacing more than a dozen people.
- PUB DATE: 3/20/2019 6:45:04 PM - SOURCE: KCPQ-TV FOX 13