A program that allows Los Angeles cops and firefighters to collect their pensions and salaries simultaneously at the end of their careers was originally hailed as a no-cost way to keep the most experienced officers on the job. But six years into the program it was clear there were serious problems, including reports that aging officers with bad backs and aching knees were joining and then immediately going out on long injury leaves — sometimes for years — at essentially twice the pay.
- PUB DATE: 2/20/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Los Angeles Times

Hobart (WI) Fire Department pumper. Spartan cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Waterous CSUC20 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 1,000-gallon tank.

Hobart (WI) Fire Department pumper. Spartan cab and chassis; Cummins L9 450-hp engine; Waterous CSUC20 1,500-gpm pump; UPF Poly 1,000-gallon tank.

Fire Captain Ed Dunbar from Benton County District 4 said his team is the first line of defense for almost 20,000 of their neighbors, with another 9,000 expected over the next few years. He said more neighbors means more calls for help. These days he said it takes 17 minutes just to get to callers at the far corners of their district.
- PUB DATE: 2/19/2018 7:47:39 PM - SOURCE: KEPR-TV CBS 19

Crews battled a fire at a home in Skyway on Monday evening The Renton Regional Fire Authority says the fire broke out just after 5:00 p.m. at 7645 S. 135th St. Crews from Tukwila and Skyway also were battling the fire. One person suffered smoke inhalation and has been taken to Valley Medical Center.
- PUB DATE: 2/19/2018 5:45:13 PM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000