The American flag at the front of the East Pierce Fire & Rescue headquarters station in Bonney Lake was flying at half-staff Thursday (July 26). That day, staff members and local department representatives gathered for the 10th anniversary of the death of former Chief Dan Packer, who died battling a wildfire in California in 2008, just shy of his 50th birthday.
- PUB DATE: 7/31/2018 3:10:09 AM - SOURCE: Tacoma News Tribune - Metered Site

In emergencies, it’s said that seconds can be the difference between life and death. Gainesville Fire Rescue’s new downtown fire station, which became operational at noon Monday, will use new technology to help firefighters shave seconds off response times and save more lives, said GFR Deputy Chief JoAnne Rice.
- PUB DATE: 7/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Gainesville Sun

The union representing Houston firefighters sued Mayor Sylvester Turner and a City Council member on Monday, alleging the officials are improperly using public resources to oppose a "pay parity" ballot initiative. The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association accuses Mayor Turner and Council Member Dave Martin, who represents Kingwood, of campaigning against the ballot initiative, which would tie firefighter pay to that of Houston police officers of comparable rank and seniority.
- PUB DATE: 7/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Houston Chronicle

The Eighth Utilities District has settled a lawsuit filed by a former fire chief for $200,000, a source said Monday. No one involved with the case, including the former chief, Paul Litrico, would comment on the matter. The source spoke on condition of remaining anonymous. "Both sides have a confidentiality agreement not to disclose any details," Litrico wrote in an email.
- PUB DATE: 7/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Hartford Courant