A Las Vegas Fire Department captain paralyzed in an on-duty crash almost 15 years ago has died. Thelonious “Theo” Adams, a captain and 13-year veteran of the department, was paralyzed from the neck down after a fire engine responding to reports of smoke in an apartment rolled over on Halloween night in 2003.
- PUB DATE: 5/4/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Las Vegas Review-Journal

A veteran Harris County firefighter is suing his former department, claiming that his bosses fired him for missing a holiday shift as retaliation for whistleblowing on illegal behavior by the department’s leadership. The state district court lawsuit alleges that Jeramie Casiano, a lieutenant in the Harris County Emergency Services District 48’s fire department, first warned in January 2017 of “highly concerning and illegal practices,” including the misuse of government property and services by the ESD’s leadership.
- PUB DATE: 5/4/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Houston Chronicle

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