A town meeting measure that would change the hiring practice for future chiefs and deputy chiefs in the fire department is under fire by the local union. Hull Firefighters Local 1657 is urging voters to reject proposals at town meeting, the second of which eliminates the requirement that firefighters be certified paramedics.
- PUB DATE: 5/4/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Quincy Patriot Ledger

The fire service is mourning the loss of Billy Leach Jr., who brought vehicle rescue training on big rigs to a whole new level. Leach reportedly passed away while staying in an Oklahoma hotel where he was teaching a "Big Rig Rescue" program. "It is with great sadness that we may now report that Squad Member and Special Team Member Billy Leach Jr.
- PUB DATE: 5/4/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Firehouse

Salinas Fire Department paramedics and management are under investigation following Monterey County Emergency Medical Services Agency allegations that they failed to complete required paramedic skills testing and accreditation, then falsified documentation to indicate they had done so. Salinas City Manager Ray Corpuz confirmed Wednesday the county EMS agency allegations are under investigation, which is being conducted by he and other city administrators, and a state Emergency Medical Services Authority official also confirmed an investigation is under way.
- PUB DATE: 5/4/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Monterey County Herald

A little more than 300 years ago, approximately 3 to 10 million acres of forest were burned in Western Washington. A state Department of Natural Resources scientist warns that a series of catastrophic fires like that will strike Western Washington again, but no one knows when. During Thursday’s Washington State Society of American Foresters annual meeting in the Cowlitz County Expo Center, DNR scientist and University of Washington professor Daniel Donato spoke about how Western Washington needs to be prepared for massive, landscape-altering fires.
- PUB DATE: 5/3/2018 11:40:47 PM - SOURCE: Longview Daily News

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, West Palm Beach, FL, pumpers (5). Monarch cabs and chassis; Cummins ISL 450-hp engines; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pumps.