Jeannette Council demoted its fire chief this week in a move the department's former leader called political. Council unanimously decided Tuesday to move Vance Phillips back to captain and elevate Bill Frye to the role of chief. “I'm not a Democrat and that is obviously a big motive in the reversing of all that was built in the last number of years,” Phillips said in a statement.
- PUB DATE: 1/5/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Caroline Carpenter of Long Beach became the first woman to earn honors as top recruit and class leader Thursday during graduation ceremonies for 52 Los Angeles Fire Department recruits at the Valley Recruit Training Academy 81. “I’m small,” said Carpenter, 26, “but I got a big heart.” “She stands out,” said LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas to an audience that included Carpenter’s family and friends.
- PUB DATE: 1/5/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Los Angeles Daily News

A Brooklyn fire station nicknamed “the friendly firehouse” is being investigated for being a hotbed of hazing, bullying, threats and sexual misconduct, the Daily News has learned. FDNY Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro cleared out the embattled firehouse — where a gigantic smiley face is emblazoned on the door — last week, transferring six fire officers and two firefighters from Engine 309/Ladder 159 on E.
- PUB DATE: 1/5/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New York Daily News

The Novato fire district reached a settlement of nearly $200,000 with a firefighter it terminated for failing a drug test and other alleged violations. Kirk Lewis received $150,000 from the district’s insurer under the settlement. The district itself paid another $49,000 to Lewis’ lawyers. The district admitted no wrongdoing but agreed to regard Lewis’ exit as a resignation rather than a termination.
- PUB DATE: 1/5/2018 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Marin Independent Journal