An Army veteran who has spent the past 24 years as an Austin firefighter is now the city’s first female fire battalion chief, officials announced Monday. Rebecca Ackerman, who is one of 73 women — including Austin Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr — among 1,007 employees in the Austin Fire Department, was promoted to battalion chief after serving as captain in the communications section.
- PUB DATE: 10/4/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Austin American-Statesman

A union Facebook post about fire department staffing shortages concerned residents early this week, but a councilman says the city is in the process of filling vacancies. The International Association of Firefighters Local 539 posted Sunday that six companies were out of service that day: “To our community and our members out there today, please be careful.
- PUB DATE: 10/4/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Virginian-Pilot

Russell Wilson had three touchdowns in the second half, including an emotional run that impressed his teammates. J.D. McKissic had two touchdowns in his season debut. Marcus Smith forced a fumble Bobby Wagner turned into a decisive touchdown. Justin Coleman intercepted a pass for another score. But to coach Pete Carroll, there were other, more fundamental heroes from the Seahawks’ home victory over Indianapolis on Sunday night.
- PUB DATE: 10/4/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The News Tribune

Incorporating new ideas from women can improve safety in traditionally male fire departments, but the hypermasculine culture in some can make female firefighters feel unwelcome and less likely to share their ideas, according to a new qualitative study from Drexel University. The Center for Firefighter Injury Research & Safety Trends (FIRST), run by Jennifer A.
- PUB DATE: 10/4/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Science Daily

Russell Wilson had three touchdowns in the second half, including an emotional run that impressed his teammates. J.D. McKissic had two touchdowns in his season debut. Marcus Smith forced a fumble Bobby Wagner turned into a decisive touchdown. Justin Coleman intercepted a pass for another score. But to coach Pete Carroll, there were other, more fundamental heroes from the Seahawks’ home victory over Indianapolis on Sunday night.
- PUB DATE: 10/4/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The News Tribune