The experience four Gig Harbor firefighters gained from helping battle California’s forest fires will pay off locally, officials said. “When we send them back out they will have invaluable experience that they would not otherwise be able to get,” said Fire Prevention Division Chief Eric Waters. “That will improve their safety and efficiency when they’re out on the fire line.
- PUB DATE: 12/5/2018 6:17:12 AM - SOURCE: Tacoma News Tribune

The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $4.5-million plan Tuesday to reduce the strain on the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which responds to devastating incidents such as the Woolsey fire but also provides 24-hour emergency services across 2,300 square miles. The new effort comes months after the board raised concerns about the department’s aging stations and equipment, and weeks after the Woolsey fire burned more than 90,000 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
- PUB DATE: 12/5/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Los Angeles Times

While public communication becomes increasingly digital and existing technologies become obsolete or unserviceable, public safety leaders in 911 and telecommunication agree that upgrading to NG911 systems across the country will ensure that every request from every individual is received, located and responded to in the way that best meets the needs of the public and first responders.
- PUB DATE: 12/5/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: FireRescue1

The plaintive wail of bagpipes fills in where 19 years ago sirens sounded. A prayer goes up from the same spot where firefighters called out over crackling radios hoping to hear something that would lead them to Lt. Thomas Spencer, Lt. James Lyons or firefighters Paul Brotherton, Timothy Jackson, Jeremiah Lucey of Joseph McGuirk who were lost inside the maze-like interior of the Worcester Cold Storage Warehouse on Dec.
- PUB DATE: 12/5/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Patriot Ledger

At the heart of the battle is Chief of Department James Leonard, 59, a tough-talking officer who started as a firefighter in Brooklyn’s Engine 310 in 1979 and is now the highest-ranked uniformed officer in the agency — second only to Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. But for all his success, what some in the FDNY call Leonard’s abrasive and aggressive manner — and allegations he sometimes uses misogynistic slurs — have put him out of step in a department striving mightily to get into the 21st century, sources told The News.
- PUB DATE: 12/5/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: NY Daily News