Firefighters are known for their strength and endurance, but there is a lot of knowledge that goes with being a first responder. Nest has teamed up for the second time with The Leary Firefighters Foundation to award two fire departments with $25,000 grants for new technology and equipment.

Nest, maker of the Nest Protect Smoke + CO Alarm, and The Leary Firefighters Foundation (LFF) asked communities to support outstanding public safety personnel, asking them to nominate their local department with a simple vote by providing their zip code. An extra vote was added for those entries that included a personal “thank you” comment or story. The five departments with the most votes were the finalists for LFF’s grant application process. Ultimately, the Indianapolis (IN) and Gainesville (FL) fire departments were chosen by LFF. 

The Indianapolis Fire Department has received new technology to establish a working media department that allows the department to educate, train, and inform using high-quality video and imagery production. The Gainesville Fire Department has received new technology, including MacBook Air laptops, training software, and administrative equipment.

For more, go to https://nest.com/blog/2017/10/10/helping-local-heroes/

More than a dozen wildfires raged across Northern California on Tuesday morning, with the biggest ones scorching the state's famous wine country, killing at least 11 people and burning more than 1,500 homes and businesses, authorities said. The fires were burning in California's wine country destinations -- Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties -- as well as Yuba County, north of Sacramento, with flames ripping through the lush, picturesque landscape.
- PUB DATE: 10/10/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: CNN

Huntsville Fire and Rescue is treating Station 17 in the Hampton Cove area for brown recluse spiders, confirmed Captain Frank McKenzie on Monday. McKenzie said two firefighters have been bitten. To combat the spiders and keep crews safe, he explained the department moved firefighters, necessary equipment, and firefighters' personal items to Station 19 on Old Big Cove Road on October 5th.
- PUB DATE: 10/10/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: WHNT-TV News 19 Huntsville

We're at that time of year when cities and towns across the country take some time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties. Memorials to the fallen are just one of the ways we remember those who gave everything to protect life and property, and one firefighter from a small community about an hour north of New York City has waited long enough to receive his due.
- PUB DATE: 10/10/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Firehouse.com

Earlier this month, 41-year-old Robert Pattison went to introduce himself to his fellow firefighters at Engine 55 at Joy and Southfield in Detroit. Second Battallion Chief Shawn McCarty calls it a tradition for firefighters. "It's not mandatory, it's voluntary," he says. "You come in bearing gifts. The usual gift is doughnuts, but you are allowed to bring whatever you want to bring in.
- PUB DATE: 10/10/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Fox 2 Detroit