A Kansas City, Kan., firefighter and paramedic was found dead in his bed Tuesday morning at the Fire Station 19 at 80th Terrace and State Avenue, the fire department announced. Jason Garrett was 46 years old and had been with the Kansas City, Kan., Fire Department for five-and-a-half-years. The death is under investigation, but it is believed he died of natural causes.
- PUB DATE: 12/27/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Kansas Star

Kelley Whitelens hiked a steep hill toward the backyard of a home on Coyote Road in Santa Barbara, one hand wiping the sweat from her face, the other pulling up her sagging pants. Whitelens is the only female firefighter in a 19-person team from South Dakota fighting the fierce Thomas fire — which, at 281,620 acres spread across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, is California’s largest wildfire on record.
- PUB DATE: 12/27/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Los Angeles Times

A Lacey firefighter who helped lead a firefighting camp for teen girls has died. Crystal Murphy passed away at her home over the weekend, according to the Lacey Fire Department. “She will be greatly missed,” the fire department wrote in a Facebook post. Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.
- PUB DATE: 12/27/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: king5.com

Taberg (NY) Fire Company stainless steel pumper. Spartan Metro Star cab and chassis; Cummins ISL 400-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 1,000-gallon tank.

Taberg (NY) Fire Company stainless steel pumper. Spartan Metro Star cab and chassis; Cummins ISL 400-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 1,000-gallon tank.