South County Fire Deputy Chief Shaughn Maxwell has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation. He is one of 46 scholarship recipients selected from across the country. Maxwell is pursuing a master’s degree in human factors psychology. He said he plans to use what he learns to help firefighters and paramedics perform at high levels on emergency calls and to help reduce post-traumatic stress syndrome in first responders.
- PUB DATE: 9/14/2018 6:24:21 AM - SOURCE: Everett Herald

A Lawrence teen was killed today after a chimney from a house explosion fell on the car he was in during a series of about 70 explosions and fires in the city and in nearby Andover and North Andover this afternoon that has kept emergency crews working late into the night. Leonel Rondon, 18, was pronounced dead at Mass General Hospital at approximately 8:30 this evening, officials announced.
- PUB DATE: 9/14/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Boston Herald

A former Yakima firefighter says he was injured on the job because the city understaffs its fire squads. The accusation is part of a damage claim the former firefighter, Jerry Elmo Jr., submitted earlier this summer, asking the city for $450,000 in damages related to the injury. City spokesman Randy Beehler says the city doesn’t comment on pending claims or litigation.
- PUB DATE: 9/14/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Yakima Herald

The ongoing dispute involving Utica fire Chief Russell Brooks and his health started more than a year ago with an application. Citing his diagnosis for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which he says resulted from responding to New York City to support 9/11 recovery efforts, Brooks applied for benefits outlined under General Municipal Law 207-a.
- PUB DATE: 9/14/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Observer-Dispatch

Cincinnati police and firefighter recruits are asked to describe their "most unusual sex act" in a questionnaire that can later become accessible to the public. The questions are part of the Fire and Police departments' pre-employment process. They raise concerns for some that new recruits are being asked to divulge private, probing details about their sexual history.
- PUB DATE: 9/14/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Cincinnati Enquirer & Cincinnati.com