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

A little girl was able to bring a welcome delivery to firefighters battling the deadly Carr Fire . Two-year-old Gracie Lutz arrived with warm breakfast burritos prepared by her grandma Lori. Chelsey Lutz tells KTVU her daughter Gracie has uncles and a grandpa working on the Carr Fire, "so we wanted to give back.
- PUB DATE: 7/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KTVU-TV Oakland, San Francisco, Bay Area

Jakob Eisenbeiss could see the roaring flames from four blocks away. He heard the cries of concerned neighbors as the flames consumed the house beside theirs, wondering if their home would be next. But Eisenbeiss could not afford to get distracted. He had a job to do. With his lieutenant at his side, he got to work.
- PUB DATE: 7/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Portland Oregonian, Hillsboro Argus, Oregon Live.com