North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) is enrolling in a new state program that reimburses public organizations for transporting Medicaid recipients. The program, called Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT), was established as a result of House Bill 2007 that was passed by the state legislature during the 2015-16 session.
- PUB DATE: 3/1/2018 5:02:12 AM - SOURCE: Northern Light

The Justice Department has sued the city of Houston over sex discrimination claims launched by two female firefighters who say their male coworkers tormented them by urinating on the women's bathroom walls and sinks and scrawling vulgar slurs on their belongings. Male firefighters allegedly turned off the cold water in showers to scald their female coworkers and disconnected speakers to prevent women from responding to calls in a string of bad behavior that eventually escalated to death threats, according to the lawsuit.
- PUB DATE: 3/1/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Houston Chronicle

The Portland Firefighters’ Association Local 43 has launched an effort to seek more help from the city in coping with their most traumatic emergency calls. “We're trained to raise ladders and pull lines but we're not trained to deal with the stress,” said Isaac McLennan, Vice President of Local 43. McLennan said he's pushing to end a stigma some firefighters believe.
- PUB DATE: 3/1/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: KGW-TV 8 Portland

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Esri and the Intermedix Preparedness Division, soon to be Juvare, announced today that beta testing of the new National Mutual Aid System (NMAS) will begin in four states. In October 2017, the IAFC, leader in emergency response worldwide, entered into an agreement with Esri and the Intermedix Preparedness Division to build the next generation of NMAS software, which was originally developed by the IAFC in 2008.
- PUB DATE: 3/1/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: International Association of Fire Chiefs

Criminal charges against a firefighter who allegedly threatened to "kill" colleagues he claimed had mistreated him over his religious faith will be dropped in six months if he stays out of trouble and continues mental-health treatment. Raheem Hassan's case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal during his appearance Wednesday in Criminal Court.
- PUB DATE: 3/1/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Staten Island Advance