A bill introduced in the Tennessee legislature would allow emergency medical responders and firefighters to carry handguns for their safety, but some emergency response leaders aren’t sure that’s such a good idea. As written, the bill “authorizes any person employed as a firefighter or emergency medical technician (EMT), that has received a written directive from their supervisor and completed an annual eight-hour firearm training, to carry a handgun while engaged in the performance of the person’s official duties.
- PUB DATE: 3/12/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Johnson City Press

A statewide shortage of trained medical personnel has left many rural county ambulance services having to delay hospital transfers to ensure they have enough staff for emergencies. For example, in Norton County in northwest Kansas, the county's 5,400 residents are served by six full-time volunteers and nine volunteers, who respond to all 911 calls and taken patients from one hospital to another.
- PUB DATE: 3/12/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Kansas City Star

VIDEO: On Sunday morning, 2,000 firefighters from across the country and the world came to the Columbia Center for the 28th Firefighter Stairclimb, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The event has raised $17 million over the years for LLS and the goal this year is to raise $2.75 million. Each firefighter had a specific reason for wanting to endure the grueling 69-story climb up Seattle's tallest tower, donning their full gear.
- PUB DATE: 3/12/2019 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KING 5

Tallula (IL) Fire Protection District pumper. International 4400 cab and chassis; Navistar N9 315-hp engine; Hale DSD 1,250-gpm pump.

Several firefighters from the Tri-Cities are now coming home after spending the weekend in Seattle for the stair-climb to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. “We're not here to compete so much as we are to help out people in need,” said Nathan Schweiger, firefighter with Pasco Fire Department.
- PUB DATE: 3/11/2019 6:40:43 PM - SOURCE: KEPR-TV CBS 19