It was the single biggest loss of life in the history of the Houston Fire Department. Five years ago, the Southwest Inn fire ultimately claimed the lives of five firefighters. The four firefighters who died on the scene were Robert Bebee, Robert Garner, Mathew Renaud, and Anne Sullivan. In March 2017, Captain Bill Dowling, who lost both of his legs in the fire, died of complications from the injuries sustained in the line of duty.
- PUB DATE: 5/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KTRK-TV ABC 13 Houston

The 600-member Buffalo Fire Department has been operating without a commissioner or deputy commissioner since the beginning of May, part of a pattern of continuing turnover in the department’s top positions since Mayor Byron W. Brown took office in 2006. The leadership void is “devastating,” said a source within the department.
- PUB DATE: 5/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Buffalo News

A fire captain is set to receive a $450,000 settlement after suing the city and a former fire chief for discrimination. City Attorney Barbara Parker is recommending City Council approve the sum at its June 5 meeting, according to city documents. Capt. Joseph Torres filed suit in November 2015, alleging Chief Teresa Deloach Reed refused to promote him to battalion chief, even though he qualified for the rank.
- PUB DATE: 5/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: East Bay Times

Gov. Chris Sununu said he intends to sign a bill that passed the House last week to allow firefighter cancer treatment benefits to be funded through worker’s compensation. Senate Bill 541 comes 28 years after a law was ruled unconstitutional that stated certain cancers are presumed to be work-related for firefighters, leaving firefighters with cancer to pay many of their costs out of pocket.
- PUB DATE: 5/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Foster's Daily Democrat

A firefighter who was pulled from a burning building Monday is in fair condition at the UC Davis Burn Center in Sacramento. Firefighter Justin Costa was pulled to safety by California Highway Patrol Officer Geno Cortez and another firefighter after being badly burned while battling a blaze at Hardester’s Market in Middletown.
- PUB DATE: 5/31/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KCRA-TV NBC Sacramento