Under the leadership of Commissioner Joseph Finn, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, and Local 718, the Boston Fire Department (BFD) implemented major innovation and investments in state-of-the-art safety equipment and a three year partnership with O2X Human Performance. Within this three year period, BFD recorded a total cost savings of $6.3 million including a $4.7 million reduction directly attributed to decreased injury rates, paid time off, monthly sick call, and increased resilience of the department. 

Beyond the $4.7 million saved in salary and overtime expenses, the total economic impact of the changes made by BFD is much higher when considering the reduction in costs associated with surgeries, disability, and administrative duties due to a healthier, more resilient fire service. After 18 workshops for nearly 900 Boston firefighters, including three academy classes, the physical and emotional impact O2X has had on BFD has spread throughout the fire department to include firefighters, recruits, leadership, and support personnel. 

We are proud to quantitatively show these results and our partnership with Boston Fire. What is not shown, is the culture change to include increased morale and motivation throughout the department as well as focus on behavioral health and building a more resilient force. 

See: Boston Fire Department Cost Savings

No injuries were reported in a fire that destroyed a fifth wheel travel trailer Sunday in Centralia, according to the Riverside Fire Authority. The fire was reported at 12:25 a.m. Sunday in the 800 block state Route 507 in Centralia. RFA crews responded to a report of a trailer on fire, possibly with people inside.
- PUB DATE: 1/9/2018 3:11:37 AM - SOURCE: Centralia Chronicle

CAL FIRE has released a “Green Sheet” preliminary report for the line of duty death of CAL FIRE Fire Apparatus Engineer Cory Iverson of the CAL FIRE San Diego/San Diego County Fire Authority. Engineer Iverson was overrun by fire and killed December 14, 2017 while battling the Thomas Fire in Ventura County north of Fillmore, California.
- PUB DATE: 1/9/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WildfireToday.com

Firefighter Tom Williamson, whose complaints about Covington-area Fire Chief Steve Krentel triggered a probe of the chief, is now under investigation himself, and he's claiming it's in retaliation for his outspoken criticism. Williamson has been put on paid administrative leave by the board that governs St.
- PUB DATE: 1/9/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The Advocate

A "flash over" sent flames over firefighters at a home on the West Side Monday, prompting an emergency mayday call to make sure everyone was accounted for, officials said. One firefighter was missing for several minutes but finally walked out of the home in the 4800 block Van Buren Street and went to his truck, according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Merritt at the scene in Austin.
- PUB DATE: 1/9/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Chicago Tribune