As Pierce County’s population grows, so does the number of people calling 911. Emergency responders at Central Pierce Fire & Rescue say they’re feeling the demand. In an attempt to keep up with call volume, the department proposed a $1 per $1,000 assessed valuation levy lid lift that voters will see on their April 23 special election ballots.
- PUB DATE: 4/9/2019 1:42:26 AM - SOURCE: Tacoma News Tribune

Three retired FDNY firefighters suffering from 9/11 illnesses died within 48 hours this week as the number of those succumbing to lethal toxins at Ground Zero continues to swell, officials and 9/11 survivor advocates said Saturday. Retired FDNY Lt. Timothy O’Neill died on April 2 and Firefighter Kevin Lennon died on April 4 from 9/11-related cancers — nearly 18 years after responding to the terror attacks.
- PUB DATE: 4/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New York Daily News

VIDEO: The Firefighter Health and Safety Bill passed another hurdle Monday afternoon. Senate Bill 160 passed the third reading in the House with a vote of 89 to nine. Great Falls International Association of Fire Fighters Local Eight President Dave Van Son said they are very excited. “This is the furthest it has ever made,” Van Son said.
- PUB DATE: 4/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KRTV.com

Few interest groups have been more generous to Rhode Island lawmakers than the firefighters’ lobby, which is pushing controversial overtime legislation up for a House vote on Tuesday, in a state that regularly tops the national charts on the cost of fire protection. Since 2007, the R.I. State Association of Firefighters has logged more than $290,413 on political spending, with most of that money going to help state lawmakers win reelection and ward off challengers.
- PUB DATE: 4/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Providence Journal - Metered Site

VIDEO: A firefighter in Pennsylvania recently honored his father in a big way and his family, friends and hometown were there to support him every step of the way. On Sunday, Ryan Robeson participated in the sixth annual Scranton Half-Marathon, running 13 miles in full firefighting gear. The gear -- the jacket, pants, boots, helmet -- weighed nearly 50 pounds.
- PUB DATE: 4/9/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: ABC News