You’re 39 and you’ve got a big-shot job in public service with the clout, good salary, and benefits that go with it. Best of all, you’re next in line for a fat promotion. So what do you do? If you’re Linda Long, you take a hefty pay cut and start a new career at grunt level. And you ignore critics who think you're demented for letting go of a sure thing.
- PUB DATE: 4/3/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Philadelphia Daily News

The community of Spearfish awoke to tragedy Saturday morning, when an early morning house fire claimed the lives of five children, ages 6-11. The fire was reported at 4:23 a.m. at a multifamily residence at 1135 Ames St., on the corner of Ames and Oliver streets. Neighbors and authorities describe the structure as a two-story house, with an apartment attached at the back, where multiple families lived.
- PUB DATE: 4/3/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Rapid City Journal

A Spokane Valley firefighter trying to get his job back since he was fired in 2012 will argue his case against the Spokane Valley Fire Department before the Washington State Supreme Court later this year. Capt. Jon Sprague said he’s not surprised that the Supreme Court decided to review his case. “I’ve known all along that we’ve had a solid case,” he said.
- PUB DATE: 4/3/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Spokesman-Review

Embarrassed by a series of shocking hazing complaints — including one in which a rookie claimed he was sexually abused — the FDNY has quietly overhauled its anti-hazing policy, The Post has learned. Without any public announcement, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro on March 21 issued a new five-page policy.
- PUB DATE: 4/3/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: New York Post

Sarasota County (FL) Fire Department pumper. Cyclone II cab and chassis; Cummins ISL 450-hp engine; Hale Qmax 1,250-gpm pump.