An independent arbitrator recently ruled against the Kokomo firefighters union in a grievance case filed by Local 396 that accused city officials of not staffing a tanker in an effort to avoid overtime costs. The grievance, first filed in November 2016 and largely unrelated to the ongoing contract negotiation controversy, alleged that city officials violated a contractual agreement in its attempt to not pay overtime.
- PUB DATE: 3/6/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Kokomo Tribune

Two prominent members of the town’s firefighter community, allegedly liquored up from a fire department dinner, are charged with setting their own fire outside the firehouse. Gregory Bomba, 45, a former fire captain, and William Tortora, 57, the brother of Fire Marshal James “Chic” Tortora, were being held in lieu of $250,000 bonds after being charged with second-degree arson, second-degree reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
- PUB DATE: 3/6/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Connecticut Post

For the first time in recent memory, Kennedy Space Center firefighters are prepared to strike. Their contract expired seven months ago and now they say the NASA contractor over fire and rescue operations is trying to cut retirement benefits and get rid of sick leave. Firefighters told Channel 9’s Mel Holt they’re still hoping to make a deal that will allow them to protect the space center without sacrificing their livelihoods.
- PUB DATE: 3/6/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WFTV-TV ABC 9 Orlando

Sonoma County’s top elected and administrative leaders all agree if another major disaster struck the region today, one key aspect of their response would be different than when the historic wildfires ignited five months ago: They’d use mass cellphone alerts to warn the public about the emergency. And if rainfall from this latest storm triggered dangerous debris flows in the county’s fire-scarred hillsides, a team of designated staff members would immediately jump into action.
- PUB DATE: 3/6/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Santa Rosa Press Democrat

Whispering Pines Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid City, SD, Wildland Type 6 flatbed pumper. Dodge 5500 cab and chassis; Cummins 160-hp engine; 400-gallon polypropylene tank.