Washington State Auditor’s office released two separate, clean audits of Camano Island Fire and Rescue (CIFR) — one focused on finances and one on accountability. The audits covered fiscal years 2014 and 2015, and found no problems or issues within the department. “The state auditors are professionals who make sure we’re transparent and accountable to our taxpayers,” said Chief Michael Schick.
- PUB DATE: 3/29/2017 2:48:25 AM - SOURCE: Stanwood/Camano News

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources said Monday if they don’t get additional funding for training and equipment, the 2017 wildfire season will start with a deficit. “We actually have a greater need to replace equipment because of those back-to-back fire seasons that put a tremendous amount of stress on our fleet,” said Bob Johnson, who works for the DNR.
- PUB DATE: 3/29/2017 12:42:49 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources said Monday if they don’t get additional funding for training and equipment, the 2017 wildfire season will start with a deficit. “We actually have a greater need to replace equipment because of those back-to-back fire seasons that put a tremendous amount of stress on our fleet,” said Bob Johnson, who works for the DNR.
- PUB DATE: 3/29/2017 12:42:49 AM - SOURCE: KOMO-TV ABC 4 and Radio 1000

The state Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Allentown firefighters, finding that their union can negotiate the minimum number of firefighters on a shift because it has a direct impact on safety. In a unanimous decision Tuesday that affects municipalities with professional fire departments across Pennsylvania, the court rejected Allentown's argument that shift staffing was an issue for managers to decide because of its impact on city finances.
- PUB DATE: 3/29/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Allentown Morning Call

FirstNet board members today voted unanimously to authorize FirstNet CEO Mike Poth to finalize the 25-year contract this week—an award to AT&T, although the carrier was not mentioned during the special board meeting—to build and maintain the nationwide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN). “This is a very, very special day,” FirstNet Chairwoman Sue Swenson said during the board meeting.
- PUB DATE: 3/29/2017 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: Urgent Communications