The sweeping changes to the city’s personnel system that New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu pushed through three years ago may have ushered in an era of racial and political bias at the Fire Department, a new report alleges. Fire Superintendent Timothy McConnell set aside higher test scores from dozens of candidates for promotion to captain in favor of lower-ranked applicants in September 2016, according to a ruling issued Thursday by the city's Civil Service Department.
- PUB DATE: 12/4/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Advocate

Casper Fire Chief Kenneth King’s early retirement followed weeks of turmoil within the department after copies of his emails were distributed to a group of firefighters by an unknown source. King unexpectedly announced Tuesday that he would retire Friday, more than a month before his expected retirement date of Jan.
- PUB DATE: 12/4/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Casper Star Tribune

As retired Fire Lt. Donald Courtney lifts open one of 82 containers of “the stuff” stored on the property of Saint-Gobain Corp., he smiles as he carefully inspects the items inside. He said he remains fascinated by what he finds and deeply touched by what it all means. “The stuff” is a collection of everything left by firefighters, schoolchildren and members of the community, as expressions of grief over the loss of the six Worcester firefighters killed on Dec.
- PUB DATE: 12/4/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Blood alcohol level, crew integrity and fireground communications were among the host of factors that contributed to the April 2015 death of a volunteer firefighter in a residential fire. NIOSH released its findings last month, which included 9 key recommendations, including establishing a zero-tolerance alcohol policy and ensuring proper use of PPE.
- PUB DATE: 12/4/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: FireRescue1

Members of the Fire Department face another round of salary cuts as the state continues to cut spending in the resort. Firefighters will see their salaries reduced 11.3 percent Dec. 10, according to union officials. The move comes two months after Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez ruled the state could cut the department by 15 members, to 180, after Feb.
- PUB DATE: 12/4/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Press of Atlantic City