The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Leonard, Vice President of Motorola Solutions Sales and Services, Inc. for the Mid-Atlantic region to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Leonard joined Motorola in 2001 and currently oversees strategic business development, customer advocacy and talent development in the Mid-Atlantic region. He has made significant contributions in furthering Motorola’s goals to expand its reach within the wireless communications and public safety software industry by delivering technology solutions that support First Responders.

Additionally, he is active in several national and local public safety technology related associations such as the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO), The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and International Wireless Communications (IWCE). Mr. Leonard also sits on the Board at the Philadelphia Police Foundation, the Montgomery County Maryland Chamber of Commerce and the Washington DC Police Foundation.

“We are very pleased to have Michael join the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Board of Directors. His insights and experiences in the public safety sector will enhance our mission and help the Foundation connect with more people and organizations in the fire service and beyond,” says Chief Dennis Compton, NFFF’s Chairman of the Board.

On Monday, Bekka Gilbert escaped a two-alarm fire at her Everett apartment complex. “I’m hearing my roommates scream, 'Get out! Get out! There’s a fire! There’s a fire!' ” said Gilbert, outside her parents' house in Marysville. After initially escaping the blaze, Bekka said she went back into the smoke to help save others.
- PUB DATE: 12/26/2018 6:03:19 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

South Jersey fire company is mourning the loss of one of their own who was killed in a single-car crash while responding to a call in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County on Christmas morning. Police say 21-year-old Natalie Dempsey of Mays Landing was driving a black 2001 Honda Accord, when she lost control, and drove off the roadway, striking a guardrail.
- PUB DATE: 12/26/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WPVI- TV ABC6

Six former employees of the Florida State Fire College and two of their spouses have filed a class-action lawsuit against manufacturers of firefighting suppressants used at the college, which they claim led them to develop various cancers and diseases from exposure. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleges the companies were negligent and purposefully hid findings of studies that showed chemicals in the suppressants were carcinogenic and dangerous to the environment.
- PUB DATE: 12/26/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Daily Commercial